I think I know where Atlanta Braves GM might be headed…
By Ryan Cothran
The Latest Atlanta Braves Rumor buzz comes from Buster Olney!
The Braves have a meeting with Jon Lester this week.
The news above shocked many of us as it was widely thought that after the trade that sent Jason Heyward and Jordan Walden to the St. Louis Cardinals, that the Braves were in full rebuilding mode. However, many are starting to see it differently. With rumors a-swirl regarding Jon Lester, the Braves could be moving in a different direction. I have a guess at that direction. Let’s discuss…
Are the Atlanta Braves John’s waiting for a John minus the h to be the next domino to fall?
It’s apparent that the Braves are doing a whole lot of work this offseason and now that the first piece fell, it looks like the Braves have big moves prepared to rebuild a dominant pitching staff. Alan wrote up “Jon Lester to the Braves…Is it Possible?” and I think we see some things very much through same eyes, however I think that even if Lester signs, at least Justin Upton will still be gone come April. In my opinion, here’s what I think will be the step-by-step process:
1. Jon Lester would be the 2nd domino to fall before other moves. Braves want to emphasize to him that they want to get something done quick.If he signs, the next move will be ready to be made. Lester signs for around a AAV of 20MM/year.
2A. The Indians have been said to be shopping Nick Swisher to other teams whom themselves have a poor contract. It’s hard to think that someone could have had a worse year than B.J. but that is what happened in Cleveland with 33 year old Swisher. In August, Swisher had season-ending arthroscopic surgery on both knees and, obviously, will be a health risk. A Nick Swisher for B.J. Upton deal could work for both parties with the Braves evening out the finances. There are many possibilities, but Swisher makes a lot of sense due to his strong veteran presence in the clubhouse. The major aspect of this trade would be the question if Swisher can handle OF duties again.
2B.Revisiting the Chicago Cubs Trade: B.J. Upton and Mike Minor for Luis Valbuena and Edwin Jackson. Braves use Jackson as emergency starter/6th starter and Valbuena comes in as the LH platoon for Chris Johnson.
3. Next the Braves will fill their last pitching spot via Mariners with a Justin Upton and Evan Gattis for Taijuan Walker, Brad Miller, Michael Saunders, and a prospect.
*If Braves go the Swisher route, there will be a SP surplus with Mike Minor, another domino. Either the Braves send him to the Mariners to get more prospects in return, or take Gattis out of the package, inserting Minor. Personally, inserting Minor and subtracting Gattis would be a serious win for the Braves.
4. Then, the Braves will be in financial position to address the OF. Alex Rios? Aoki? Rasmus? Still not a strong offense but holy smokes at the pitching.
If the first domino doesn’t fall, the Braves will take a different direction, but I’d think that it could be very possible. A rotation of Lester, Teheran, Wood, Walker, and Miller would be a great rotation for years to come, and I think it’s very possible. Stay tuned!