Atlanta Braves should be out on Madison Bumgarner

With the report that Madison Bumgarner is wanting a five-year deal for over $100 million, the Atlanta Braves should be out on him.

Even after the Cole Hamels signing there was the thought the Atlanta Braves could still be on Madison Bumgarner.

But with MadBum’s market picking up pace, he may have just worked himself out of range for the Braves.

A report from Bob Nightengale states that Bumgarner is seeking a five-year deal for more than $100 million.

Now, you can always take Nightengale news with the usual grain of salt, but the way the market is shaping up, this does seem accurate.

That being the case, I just don’t see any reason why the Braves would still be in on Bumgarner.

As I mentioned in our latest podcast, I really believe the decision to sign Hamels was due to the fact that MadBum had outpriced himself.

And honestly, I think Hamels can be just as good as MadBum in 2020. If the Braves are going to get another starting pitcher this offseason I’d rather it be a younger pitcher with upside to be a number one or two (if someone like that even exists out there beyond Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg).

I still really like MadBum and would not be upset if Alex Anthopoulos continues to pursue him, but the other part of this is that third base has to be the priority right now.

Or if not third base, finding a big bat to replace Josh Donaldson. And it’s just hard to imagine Atlanta taking on two more big contracts.

Maybe they have the flexibility to do one more big financial move — whether trade or free agency — but not two.

I also said in the podcast that I think the Braves are done in free agency this offseason. The rest of their moves are likely to come through trades unless they are able to sign Donaldson.

We’ll see how things continue to shake out at the Winter Meetings this week. But with the report of MadBum wanting five years and over $100 million, I think it’s safe to say the Braves are out on him.