Atlanta Braves: The Pro’s of a Bumgarner Trade
By James Kunkle
The Atlanta Braves made big news yesterday by adding Brian McCann and Josh Donaldson both to the 2019 roster. Many people now agree the focus should be on pitching, pitching, pitching, and possibly another outfielder. In this article, we are going to examine the positives of the Braves trading for Madison Bumgarner.
Rumors have persisted for the past few weeks that Madison Bumgarner would indeed be traded most likely this offseason, and now it is a reality that new Giants President of Baseball ops Farhan Zaidi, will indeed listen to offers for its star pitcher. Many people will tell you the Giants are a year or two past the point where they should be selling, but for now that is beside the point. Could the Atlanta Braves benefit?
Bumgarner, who was born in Hickory, North Carolina where many folks will tell you is still “Braves Country” has been in the Major Leagues since late in the 2009 season. He is still relatively young at only 29 years old and should still have many good years left in his arm to pitch at a high level.
Injuries have derailed the past two seasons for the big Left Hander. His 2017 season was derailed after he fell off a dirt bike and hurt his shoulder. His 2018 season debut was delayed after a line drive broke his pinky finger in his last Spring Training start.
A quick recap before we dive in too deep to remind you how good Bumgarner has been. His highest ERA ever in a season was 3.37 and before the last 2 years where again, the injury bug bit him, he had always passed the 200 IP mark in every season. Lastly, yes his FIP has risen the past couple seasons but the injuries probably explain why.