Atlanta Braves Morning Chop: Winter Meetings Rumor Wrap for Day 2
Alex Anthopoulos seems like he’s ready to go ahead and pack his bags to go back to Atlanta, but that hasn’t stopped some very interesting rumors involving the Braves.
The level of activity has picked up around Las Vegas at the Winter Meetings, though the Atlanta Braves continue to report that for them “nothing is close” and they are still waiting for the free agent market to come to them.
GM Alex Anthopoulos is content not to chase after other clubs in their pursuit of new players, but instead appears ready to stick with his plans, which include staying within a budget.
Braves don't expect to add a starter or reliever by end of winter meetings, Anthopoulos said.
— Gabe Burns (@GabeBurnsAJC) December 11, 2018
Meanwhile, there have definitely been some interesting news around: some that will impact the Braves indirectly and some perhaps more directly in the coming days and weeks.
So as has been our habit over the past couple of days, let’s go around the league and hit the highlights as the last full day of the Winter Meetings is about to begin.
Troy Tulowitzki
This almost certainly will not impact the Braves, but it’s still noteworthy.
On Tuesday, The Toronto Blue Jays made the eye-opening decision to release oft-injured shortstop Troy Tulowitzki.
The move will still require the Blue Jays to send regular paychecks to ‘Tulo’ for the additional 2 years of his contract and a 2021 option buyout. A total of $38 million. Ouch.
This move means that while the Blue Jays will move on with youngsters, they obviously could not find a soul interested in helping to relieve them of this roster spot and financial burden… none of it.
Tulowitzki is reported to be in good health, but … he’s still going to be a longshot to get a starting job anywhere. Still an interesting and difficult day for Jays’ fans.
Troy Tulowitzki is working out at Long Beach State and said to be in best health in a long time. This could be first in a line of moves for the Blue Jays, who continue to look to deal Russell Martin, sources tell Yahoo Sports. Marcus Stroman and Aaron Sanchez could move, too.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 11, 2018
On Marcus Stroman: I would honestly not hold my breath here. Just valuing him for trade purposes is going to be difficult. Actually putting him into a rotation could be a bit risky.