Atlanta Braves Interested In Trading For Starting Pitcher Derek Holland?

Braves Could Have Interest In Holland?

‘Tis the season!  No not the Christmas time, it’s the rumor mill season!  Atlanta Braves are expected to have a busy offseason as we head into the 2017 season and finding a veteran starting pitcher is at the top of the list.

Jon Heyman of Today’s Knuckleball is reporting that the Texas Rangers could be willing to trade starting pitcher Derek Holland.

In his report, Heyman specifically says the Braves could be a good match for a potential trade partner.  He also includes the Yankees and the Angels (as well as “among others”).

The 30-year-old lefty already has eight MLB years under his belt, but has been healthy in only about three of those years.  In 2014 he pitched 37 innings, in 2015 he threw 58.2 innings and in 2016 he had 107.1 innings pitched.

Contract status?  He’s under contract for the next two seasons with an $11 million club option for the 2017 and $11.5 million club option for 2018.  There is a $1.5 million club buyout attached to this contract.

Should the Braves be interested?

A part of me thinks the Braves seek this opportunity and the other part of me thinks they should stay the hell away.

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I’ll start with the “ah hell na”...every time you look over, it seems as though Holland has more issues with his throwing shoulder.  In 2015, he missed time because of shoulder tightness and in 2016 he went on the 60-day DL on June 21 because of left shoulder inflammation.  In 2014, he injured his knee in a freak accident when he fell on stairs at his house.

Though the Braves have the money to spend this year, that type of money for a guy who hasn’t stayed healthy (especially throwing shoulder issues) seems ludicrous that we’d even look his way.

Now the “why not”…he’s young, experienced (14 appearances in the postseason and five starts), a left-handed starting pitcher, and from the American League.  The other thing to consider is that the starting pitcher free agency pool isn’t that strong this year.  To acquire a SP for 2017, the Braves may have to trade for one.

Has the Rangers and General manager Jon Daniels given up on Holland?  Are they just looking to clear cap space to acquire a hitter this offseason?  Is Holland unwanted?

I think we just need to sit back and watch what John Coppolella does.  In Coppy we trust!  He’ll sniff this out and make the best move for the organization.

I’m leaning towards this – if it’s a salary dump for the Rangers and that’s all they’re looking to do, then let’s do it.  If the Rangers are looking for talented prospects in return, then I think Coppy hangs up the phone quickly.

For early 2017 payroll projections and to see if we have money on the books for this, check out Alan’s report.

Next: Scariest Batters Braves Pitchers Have Faced

Heyman said in his post that the Rangers are already discussing a possible deal with multiple teams.