Every baseball team needs depth in starting pitching, including the Atlanta Braves. The Athletic’s David O’Brien suggested a trade where the Braves would acquire Erick Fedde from the White Sox in exchange for two prospects, a proposal also assessed by former MLB GM Jim Bowden.
O’Brien’s proposed trade is:
– Braves receive: RHP Erick Fedde
– White Sox receive: RHP Garrett Baumann, SS Mario Baez
Bowden acknowledged the Braves’ need for another veteran starter, praising Fedde as a reliable mid-rotation pitcher with a strong presence on the mound, which is crucial for the latter part of the season.
Fedde has excelled this season with a 3.23 ERA in 17 starts for the White Sox, showing improved performance after a stint in South Korea. He has struck out 91 batters while allowing 89 hits in 100.1 innings, with a career-low walk rate of 2.2 per 9 innings.
However, Bowden questioned whether Baumann and Baez alone would suffice to acquire Fedde, especially considering his additional year of contract control beyond this season.
Bowden proposed another trade scenario involving RHP Cade Kuehler, a top prospect in the Braves’ minor league system ranked eighth by MLB.com. Kuehler boasts a 2.20 ERA in Class A Augusta with a strong opponents’ batting average of .220.
Acquiring Fedde would bolster the middle of the Braves’ rotation, complementing top starters like Chris Sale, Max Fried, and Reynaldo Lopez, who have performed well this season.
The Braves’ rotation includes veterans like Sale and Fried, both returning from significant injuries, alongside Charlie Morton, who is also nearing free agency. Fedde’s addition would provide affordable insurance for the Braves, given his $7.5 million salary next year.
In summary, the proposed trade aims to enhance the Braves’ pitching depth for a potential playoff run, ensuring they are well-prepared for any health challenges among their current starters
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