Acquiring Odirizzi, Iglesias Best Of Braves Moves
The Atlanta Braves moves at the trade deadline were not big, splashy ones that get fans excited. GM Alex Anthopoulos traded away four prospects to acquire Matt Olson before this season. Because of that trade he had to find deals for players below the level of Andrew Benintendi or Luis Castillo. Considering what he gave up the two pitchers the Braves received were worth the price.
Jake Odorizzi represents a solid middle of the rotation option for Atlanta. Will Smith, as he did in the regular season last year, struggled to hold down the set up man role for the Braves.When he stepped up as the teams closer in the playoffs it was the final piece the bullpen needed. This year, with questions surrounding three of Atlanta’s five starters, trading Smith to the Houston Astros for Odorizzi makes sense. Should Charlie Morton, Ian Anderson, or both, falter down the stretch Odorizzi can start for them. If Spencer Strider is sent to the bullpen Odorizzi can start for him as well.
Raisel Iglesias, along with Kirby Yates and Kenley Jansen, can close games for the Braves. Atlanta expects Yates to return from injury soon. Iglesias closed for the Anaheim Angels, and while his season mirrored the teams, the advanced stats say he was a solid pick up for the team. Losing Jesse Chavez and Tucker Davidson for Iglesias does not feel like too high of a price. Relievers Tyler Matzek, Luke Jackson, Smith, and AJ Minter formed the “Night Shift” last postseason. Adding Iglesias to an already deep, strong bullpen could make it as good as it was in last years playoffs.
Can Grossman Be This Year’s Soler?
The Braves acquired Robbie Grossman from the Detroit Tigers for outfield depth. Detroit received left hander Kris Anglin in return. With this trade it is clear that Atlanta wants a player similar to what Jorge Soler was for the team last postseason.
Like Soler Grossman’s season has not been what he or the Tigers expected. Just last season Grossman hit 23 home runs. Can the Braves catch lightning in a bottle twice? If they can then their offense could compete with the LA Dodgers, should they face each other again in the playoffs.
Are Trades Good Enough For Braves To Repeat?
Three outfielders were needed to replace Ronald Acuna Junior’s production last year. Their production, plus maybe the best postseason any Atlanta bullpen has had, led to the Braves winning their first World Series in 26 years. The question now is will the Braves moves enable them to do it again? So much must fall into place for a team to win a World Series. It is why no team has repeated as champion in 22 seasons. The Braves are trying to use a similar formula as last year, and have given themselves a chance. Time will tell as to whether or not they get the same result.
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[…] At the trade deadline the Braves acquired Raisel Iglesias from the Los Angeles Angels. Iglesias’ year with the Angels mirrored the teams. Since coming to the Braves he has only given up one earned run. […]