Atlanta Braves: The Case to Keep Inciarte and Trade Foltynewicz
We look at a rumor at the MLB Winter meetings about the Atlanta Braves possibly shopping Ender Inciarte and Mike Foltynewicz and if it makes sense.
The Atlanta Braves are looking at a lot of different options this offseason to improve their team. One of those options may have to include trading away major league talent.
A tweet from MLB.com writer Mark Bowman sent the Braves world in a frenzy yesterday.
Some teams have gotten the sense the Braves are willing to trade both Inciarte and Foltynewicz. Acuna's presence make Inciarte understandable. To move Folty, the Braves would likely need to fill multiple needs and/or have the confidence another deal would land a front-line SP
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) December 10, 2018
It doesn’t make a lot of sense for a contending team to trade away players from the big league club — especially when it’s a team that just won the division with those players.
But this offseason is kind of weird with contenders looking to shed payroll, and a lot of teams in the middle hoping to have a quick rebuild.
Teams are looking for established major league talent that is controllable for several years. So you can see why teams may target guys like Ender Inciarte and Mike Foltynewicz.
The Atlanta Braves are looking for a starting pitcher and an outfielder, so I still don’t think it makes sense to trade either of these guys.
But, I certainly think it’s a possibility that Alex Anthopoulos is open to listening to any offer if he thinks it will make this team better.
I’ve always loved AA and I have complete confidence in him that he won’t make a move unless it improves this roster for 2019 and the future.
With the Braves budget being a little less than expected, AA may have to get creative to make a blockbuster move this offseason.
We’ll take a look at each player and see why or why not it makes sense to trade them.