Yes, Jonathan Villar is available; no, the Atlanta Braves should not trade for him
Let’s Get Him!
Immediately, a number of Braves fans have been salivating over the possibility and definitely want Alex Anthopoulos to claim Villar.
This tweet encapsulates the reasons:
Villar would fit well for the Braves, he could be the primary backup at SS, or even play LF or 3B. .274/.339/.453 with 24 HRs and 4.0 bWAR in 2019 with the Orioles. Surprised they put him on waivers.
— Braves Moves and Rumors (@Braves_Rumors) November 27, 2019
Here’s the choices:
- Claim the player and work a trade. The Orioles would get some low-level prospect and the Braves would be on the hook for Villar’s expected $10-ish million.
- Wait until Tuesday and negotiate with the player’s agent for a (probably reduced) contract… maybe $8 million? … and coax him to sign. Note that this strategy requires a competition with 28 other clubs.
- Do nothing and let another team pick him up
Here’s the first bit: nobody will be putting in a waiver claim. The only reason for doing so would be if the Orioles kicked in some cash and they aren’t going to do that. There’s no prospect that would be offered who would be worth any dollar amount that could be involved. So any team wanting Villar would rather take their chances on Tuesday.
Yes, the Braves could use him, but they are already flush with players doing the same jobs – for less.
- Charlie Culberson ($1.8m estimate)
- Johan Camargo ($1.6m)
- Adam Duvall ($3.8m) or Nick Markakis ($4m)
In fact, if the team is actually seeking more outfield help, that last “or” might turn into an “and”, with both players added to the bench.
Yes Villar is more talented and has more upside. But he’s just one guy and unless you intend to give him left field or 3rd base as a starter (and he’s played less outfield than any other position)… you don’t make this move.
Not for $10 +/- million when there are better options available that wouldn’t cost much more.