This familiar face might not be the worst idea for the Atlanta Braves.
Kevin Gausman is a familiar face to Atlanta Braves fans after he played for them in 2018 and the start of 2019 and it would be smart of them to get him back in a Braves uniform.
Gausman, 29, is another starting pitcher that is going to be on the free-agent market following the conclusion of the 2020 season, so Atlanta wouldn’t have to give up much to get him especially when you consider that he is on a non-contending team in the San Francisco Giants.
Gausman has six starts under his belt this season with 12.2 strikeouts per nine innings and over 40 total strikeouts. Like Cueto, you shouldn’t be too worried about how many innings he pitches every start because Gabe Kapler is trying to play matchups with his bullpen more than traditional managers like Brian Snitker would.
Gausman hasn’t allowed more than four runs in any start including two starts he made vs the best lineup in the National League–the Los Angeles Dodgers–where he gave up a combined three runs in 10.1 innings.
It also shouldn’t be understated that he already knows how the Atlanta Braves are run–the coaching staff, the catchers, etc. It’s even more important during the coronavirus pandemic because players can’t get to know each other as they would in previous years so it would be a huge bonus for Atlanta to bring in a guy that can jump right in and help them win.