What now?!
After the long-awaited trade of Justin Upton today to the San Diego Padres in a six-player deal that had the Braves also sending Aaron Northcraft for Max Fried, Mallex Smith, Dustin Peterson, and Jace Peterson, the Braves look forward to 2015 with a nearly-full roster, but still have plenty of questions.
Let’s take a look at some of the next steps:
Trades
Possible trade chips: Evan Gattis, Chris Johnson, Craig Kimbrel, Mike Minor, B.J. Upton. With the players the Braves currently have on their roster, it is difficult to imagine the team’s offense without Gattis, Johnson, or Upton, but there is still considerable reported interest in at least Gattis and Johnson, and the Braves could look to free up even more money by including BJ with one of the two. Johnson has strong interest from the Giants to fill their 3B need, (ummm…. not any more) and with the recent signings of Chase Headley and Jed Lowrie, there are very few 3B options available for teams who are in need right now.
Trade partners like Texas and Chicago have a strong interest in Evan Gattis and Mike Minor both, and moving both could bring back a very significant package for the Braves. The Braves could also re-ignite a contract swap sort of deal with someone like the Cubs to move BJ, though it sounds like he and new hitting coach Kevin Seitzer are working well together so far, and he’s willing to take some instruction on his swing.
Signings
The Braves have opened up somewhere between $25M and $50M in available salary for the 2015 season (depending on arbitration and how Dan Uggla‘s contract payout is figured). Many people see that money as a great opportunity to pursue some needs for the team.
The Braves could pursue a big name starter like Max Scherzer or James Shields (this writer’s preference would strongly be for Shields) as a veteran to head up the young staff for 2015 and arguably give the Braves the best rotation in the division from top to bottom. Some other considerations would hinge on moving Gattis or Upton and opening up a spot in the outfield, like Norichika Aoki or Colby Rasmus. I would love to see the Braves continue to strengthen their bench, a major weak point of the 2014 team, by re-signing Emilio Bonifacio.
Even more so, I would love to see Brandon Beachy brought back into the organization on an incentive-laden deal. Some other names that could be of interest for fans to start dreaming on/considering: Asdrubal Cabrera, Everth Cabrera, Joba Chamberlain, Neal Cotts, Jesse Crain, Chris Denorfia, Tom Gorzelanny, Jason Grilli, Aaron Harang, Nick Hundley, Kyle Kendrick, Franklin Morales, Alexi Ogando, Josh Outman, J.J. Putz, Francisco Rodriguez, Sergio Santos, Rafael Soriano, Ryan Vogelsong, Rickie Weeks, and Eric Young, Jr.
The other angle to consider is that this freed-up money could go toward Cuban third baseman Yoan Moncada, who is expected to receive a very significant bonus to sign, but he is also two-three years away from the major leagues as well. Other Cuban or international players, like Yoan Lopez, could also be on the Braves radar to sign as well.
Promotions
The Braves’ farm system has been replenished, especially at the lower levels, through trades this offseason, but there is still a good pipeline coming up to the majors. Jose Peraza could step in very soon at 2B for the Braves and would likely slot near or at the top of the lineup. Todd Cunningham could step in immediately if a spot filled up and likely provide a “filler” outfielder until recently acquired Mallex Smith is ready to step into the CF spot if BJ Upton is traded.
Recently-acquired Arodys Vizcaino could step into the bullpen, as could a number of players already profiled here before, like Ryne Harper, Juan Jaime, Brandon Cunniff, Yean Carlos Gil, and Ian Thomas.
While the trades seem to have brought in primarily players who will be more expected to contribute in 2016 and beyond, the system could certainly be counted on heavily in 2015 as well.