Atlanta Braves considering Dickey’s option for 2018
Even as the Fox Sports broadcasters were mulling the subject, there was word yesterday that R.A. Dickey might get a re-up for 2018
(Honestly: I started this before they brought up the subject!) In his National League notes about the Atlanta Braves on Thursday, Jon Heyman reported the following:
"R.A. Dickey has cleared waivers, and one rival GM says, “They should be able to trade him the way he’s pitching.” But to this point at least, the Braves aren’t showing much interest in trading him. In fact, they are considering even picking up his $8-million option for next year — not a done deal, but thinking about it, anyway. They like the innings he provides, and the leadership."
That news is a little surprising – and yet the Braves could certainly still change course – but there will have to be a quick decision at years’ end: unless otherwise specified by contract, all teams must exercise contract options (or decline to do so) five days after the end of the World Series.
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Dickey’s current contract with Atlanta calls for $7.5 million this year with an $8 million club option for 2018. If the Braves choose to go in another direction, they would owe him a $500K buyout.
Dickey’s pitching has certainly been picking up during the course of the season. Here in his 24th start tonight in the 4th inning, he sits at 145 innings, averaging over 6 per start. Before tonight, he has lowered his ERA to 3.89 and thus far, the Reds have yet to solve that knuckleball.
This is exactly what the Braves needed Robert Allen to do this season, and there’s a chance that they will need him to eat 200 innings (he’s on that pace) again next year as “the kids” are worked into Atlanta shape.
Rotation Animation
It’s still hard to gauge what the Braves have in mind for a 2018 rotation with current incumbent starters Julio Teheran, Mike Foltynewicz, Lucas Sims, Sean Newcomb, and Dickey. Mike Soroka, Luiz Gohara, and perhaps 1 or 2 others may be knocking at the door as well.
Certainly it would be helpful to have the “frontline ace-like veteran guy” to help in mentoring the rookies.
Having an unconventional pitcher in that role is… interesting… but there are a lot of aspects of the Art of Pitching that transcend style.
My take? If the Braves indeed pick up that option, you may want to fasten a seat belt. There’s a chance at a wild ride on the Hot Stove this Fall and Winter. Just a hunch.