There was some discussion around Alex Anthopoulos’ comments regarding basically looking for a starter who would be a middle/top of the rotation player and not really trying to add just a guy to slot into the back of the rotation. I have conflicting feelings about these comments. A guy like Chris Bassitt would have improved this list on paper. It’s not really something that’s contested. I think there’s an argument if you think Bryce Elder and/or Joey Wentz are 1-1.5 fWAR/162 starting pitchers, so adding a 2-2.5 fWAR/162 starter for just under $20 million is not a good return on investment and doesn’t significantly improve depth when it results in the likely loss of a guy like Elder from the roster. A counterargument to this would be that Elder or perhaps a Holmes or Lopez could be stashed away in the bullpen to preserve depth if a guy like Bassitt had been added, but I don’t see Elder as a particularly strong candidate and that scenario wouldn’t have made much sense until Schwellenbach’s injury status was discovered. That said, adding a top 3 to the roster for a reasonable cost is a very difficult task, so perhaps this is an unrealistic self-imposed bar to add to the pitching staff. It’s an interesting approach and hopefully the Braves don’t suffer another scourge of injuries among their pitchers this season.
Braves News
We came out first predictions on the list including the starting rotation and backup catcher spot.
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MLB News
THE Orioles acquired pitching depth from Twins for cash.
THE The Padres have signed longtime Rockies starter German Marquez to a one-year contract. with mutual option in 2027.
Zac Gallen’s one-year, $22 million deal in Arizona will be considered worth $18.7 for luxury tax purposes. after considering postponements.
