The Braves need to execute one crazy move before the 2024 season
Before the 2024 season, should the Atlanta Braves make this trade?
In baseball, the Atlanta Braves had the best record in 2023. Even though they didn’t make it to the postseason, Atlanta is optimistic about 2024. It will be difficult to compete for a World Series spot, though, particularly in light of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ successful summer.
It seems unlikely that Atlanta will realistically make a trade before the 2024 campaign begins. It’s not an impractical idea, though. The Braves already have a strong lineup. Despite his talent, the pitcher might use one or two more arms. Atlanta could consider trading for two pitchers from the Cleveland Guardians.
Braves crazy trade: acquire Emmanuel Clase and Shane Bieber from Guardians Prospect rankings courtesy of MLB.com.
The following are acquired by the Guardians: OF Luis Guanipa (Braves 2023 No. 10 prospect), INF Ignacio Alvarez (Braves 2023 No. 7 prospect), RHP Hurston Waldrep (Braves 2023 No. 2 prospect), OF Luke Williams
RHPs Shane Bieber and Emanuel Clase are acquired by the Braves.
Throughout the offseason, there were trade rumors involving both Bieber and Clase. Since neither pitcher has been dealt, there have been suspicions that Cleveland plans to keep both of them until the 2024 season starts. With this trade proposal, though, the Braves might be able to lure the Guardians.
In exchange for this deal, the Guardians might demand Braves 2023 No. 1 overall prospect AJ Smith Shawver. However, the likelihood of Atlanta trading him away is low. It would be dangerous to give Bieber away in this trade because his contract only lasts for one more season.
But Waldrep, who has a high ceiling, was ranked as the Braves’ No. 2 overall prospect in 2023. His finest pitches are a fastball and splitter, and Cleveland enjoys selecting and developing new pitchers.
However, the Guardians’ main demands are offensive. The Guardians would acquire two potentially useful position players if they traded for Alvarez and Guanipa.
Alvarez has the skills to succeed as a contact hitter in the major leagues and is a versatile player who can play third base and shortstop. Guanipa is a talented athlete with the potential for strength. Guanipa’s addition makes perfect sense for Cleveland, which has been in dire need of outfield assistance for some time.
But in 2024, neither Guanipa nor Alvarez will be prepared for the MLB squad. Consequently, the 2024 Guardians would benefit from adding outfielder Luke Williams, a utility player. Williams can move about the field and has veteran prowess, but he is by no means a standout.
But do the Braves get anything out of this trade?
A previous Cy Young winner is Shane Bieber.The 28-year-old Bieber was named to his first All-Star squad in 2019 and went on to win the American League Cy Young in 2020. In 2021, the Guardians star had yet another outstanding campaign and was selected to his second All-Star team.
Despite performing well, he was not chosen for the All-Star team in 2022. But in 2023, he struggled with injuries, and his effectiveness on the mound suffered. Bieber’s debut season in 2018 was the only other season in which he recorded an ERA higher than 3.28. But in 21 outings in 2023, Bieber threw to a 3.80 ERA.
However, there are still grounds for optimism with Bieber. As previously indicated, his inconsistent 2023 performance was partly due to injuries. Additionally, he is only 28 years old, so declining shouldn’t be a problem.
The main worry in obtaining Bieber is that he will soon become a free agent. The two-time All-Star may only play in Atlanta for one season unless the Braves agree to a contract extension with him.
The fact that Atlanta already has a strong rotation is another important consideration. The leaders of the charge will be Max Fried and Spencer Strider. This summer, the Braves also added veteran Chris Sale to their roster. In 2024, more rotation candidates include AJ Smith-Shawver, Bryce Elder, Reynaldo Lopez, and Charlie Morton.
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