Mariners pitcher “drawing trade interest” could be Braves target
The Braves have been in the market for a starting pitcher but have yet to reel one in.
The club was in on Aaron Nola and even reportedly offered him a lucrative six-year deal that would’ve been the biggest free agent contract in franchise history had he agreed.
Alex Anthopoulos confirmed they have been involved in discussions for free agents and trade targets, but nothing has come to fruition. We can add another possible target, though.
The Mariners have received “steady trade interest” in pitcher Bryce Miller, according to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi.
Now, Miller is not the frontline starter that many Braves fans are hoping for, but he’d certainly bolster the rotation.
Miller finished the 2023 campaign with an 8-7 record across 25 starts, accruing a 4.32 ERA while fanning 119 batters in 131.1 innings. However, his season was a tale of two cities.
In his first 13 starts, he posted a respectable 3.50 ERA while limiting opposing batters to a .204 average across 69.1 innings pitched, which is more than impressive for a first-timer.
Though he wasn’t able to stay consistent, Seattle, who is known for developing pitching, is high on the kid. Morosi noted that it’s “difficult to imagine Miller being dealt” unless they acquire an impact bat or another starter to replace him via trade or free agency.
The Braves and Mariners have already hammered out one deal, bringing Jarred Kelenic to Atlanta in what was essentially a salary dump for Seattle. Given the Braves’ plethora of bats, a deal could work itself out. Vaughn Grissom, Marcell Ozuna, and Travis d’Arnaud could all interest a Mariners offense that desperately needs an influx of talent.
Do Braves fans have a right to be upset over lack of big signings?
The Braves have been the busiest team this offseason, signing several players and swinging a countless number of trades. However, the lack of blockbuster acquisitions following back-to-back disappointing early exits in the postseason while the Dodgers stack their team with marquee names has many fans understandably perturbed.
It’s in the nature of fans to react to flashy signings and big names. Nobody likes to see their rivals get better while their GM sits on his hands, but what many fail to understand is that nobody, even the Dodgers, was in as enviable position as the Braves coming into the offseason.
Atlanta’s roster is chock full of young stars on team-friendly contracts for many years. Their 2023 lineup, which was up there with the best offenses of all time, returns eight starters, and the Braves have already found a replacement for Eddie Rosario in Jarred Kelenic, who very well could be a significant upgrade.
The pitching isn’t in as great of shape, but it’s far from a disaster. As of now, FanGraphs projects the Braves staff to account for 19.4 WAR, the second-most in baseball behind only the Philadelphia Phillies.
Still, this isn’t a new issue when it comes to the Braves, who have typically deterred from shopping in the most expensive aisles in free agency. Fans have been patiently waiting for them to finally pull the trigger and hand out one of these mega contracts to put the team over the top. With all the money they are raking in from sold out crowds and the surrounding Battery area, it should be possible. Yet, it hasn’t happened, and it’s beginning to look like it’s not going to take place this offseason either.
That’s not going to sit well with a lot of people, especially if the Braves fall short again in 2024. But do fans have a right to be upset? On the latest episode of SportstalkATL, we discuss the Braves offseason, lack of marquee signings, and whether people should be irate if they don’t land a frontline starter.
