Inbox: Do East moves put pressure on Braves?
Does the increased player movement in the National League East make the Braves more active or passive in their search for replacements? -- @RandalEtheredge Like a pitcher who is not being completely honest when he says he's not affected by who he's matching up against in a particular start, baseball
Does the increased player movement in the National League East make the Braves more active or passive in their search for replacements?
-- @RandalEtheredge
Like a pitcher who is not being completely honest when he says he's not affected by who he's matching up against in a particular start, baseball executives have long provided canned answers when asked about their reaction to what the competition is doing on the free-agent and trade markets.
The Mets produced the NL East's best record over the final three months of this past season and they now have been strengthened by the additions of
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The Braves are well aware of all that is transpiring in their division and the competitive drive may increase the motivation general manager Alex Anthopoulos has to get a deal done. But for now, he must simply remain focused on filling his needs -- starting pitcher, potential closer and outfielder -- while responsibly protecting the organization's future.
When will you announce
-- @Mooneypie13
It currently seems the most likely Indians starting pitcher to be moved would be
The Indians would like to gain a Major League-ready outfielder, but with Cristian Pache still a year away from fitting that description, the Braves aren't in position to comfortably deal
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If not Kluber or
-- @Pacman453323
Contrary to recent reports, the Braves have not expressed interest in
So, it seems most likely the Braves will satisfy this need via the trade market, where it takes two to tango. So far, the Blue Jays have not necessarily seemed willing to allow
If the Mets are indeed willing to move
At some point, Stroman might become available, or Gray might become more attractive. But while the Braves will most likely fill this need via the trade market, it's not clear exactly which way they will turn.
Did the Braves ever consider Diaz? He's arguably one of the best young closers and he's still cheap and under team control. It's disappointing that they let him go to the Mets.
-- @djelrod
The Braves had strong interest in Diaz, and they made a concerted effort to acquire him before the Mariners dealt him to the Mets. But Seattle was looking for at least three of Atlanta's top pitching prospects in return. Even if you project Diaz to be the game's best closer over the next few years, that would be quite a gamble on a closer.
Who is the most likely outfield target for the Braves?
-- @jtimm684
As a plus defender with power potential, Mitch Haniger would be the perfect fit. But it appears he's one of the few assets the Mariners are not currently willing to move.
So, the best guess is the Braves will look to fill their outfield need via trade or wait to see how the market materializes for
Who do you consider the untouchable prospects?
-- @lukep419
Throughout the offseason, I've answered this question by saying Freddie Freeman and
If you had to predict one move that the Braves will make during the upcoming Winter Meetings, what would it be?
-- @ericbrewer1240
Anthopoulos has attempted to stay away from making deals during the Winter Meetings because he does not like the negotiating environment that exists within the event. Instead of appeasing an eager agent who comes to Las Vegas looking to strike it big for a client, Anthopoulos would rather take the same methodical approach at any other point during the offseason.
Plenty of interesting storylines and angles will develop next week. But it seems more likely the information gained during the event will lead to a deal that is completed once everyone has left Las Vegas. Two of the most significant trades the Braves have made this century -- acquiring Tim Hudson from the A's in 2004 and trading
Mark Bowman has covered the Braves for MLB.com since 2001.