Trade Proposal: White Sox’s $8.5 Million Starter to Braves
Every team needs pitching depth, and the Atlanta Braves are no exception. The Athletic’s David O’Brien suggested a trade proposal that would send the White Sox’s Erick Fedde to Atlanta for two prospects, with former MLB GM Jim Bowden providing his insights.
Proposed Trade:
– **Braves receive:** RHP Erick Fedde
– **White Sox receive:** RHP Garrett Baumann, SS Mario Baez
“I agree the Braves really need one more veteran starter,” Bowden stated. “Fedde is a solid mid-rotation starter who has figured it out and provides crucial innings for the late season.”
Fedde is having an All-Star caliber season after revitalizing his career in South Korea in 2023. In 17 starts with the White Sox, the 31-year-old has a 3.23 ERA, 91 strikeouts, and 89 hits allowed in 100.1 innings, while walking a career-low 2.2 batters per nine innings.
Evaluating the Trade for the White Sox
Baumann and Baez are promising prospects. Baumann has a 3.20 ERA in A-ball with no home runs allowed and walks just two batters per nine innings. Baez, a 17-year-old in the Florida Complex League, struggles to hit but has above-average speed and a strong arm.
Bowden believes the White Sox might need more for Fedde, who isn’t just a half-year rental.
“If I’m the White Sox, I’d want a better pitching prospect considering Fedde’s additional year of control,” he wrote.
Bowden suggests starting with RHP Cade Kuehler, the No. 8 prospect in the Braves’ system, who has a 2.20 ERA in Class A Augusta. Kuehler is projected to reach the majors by 2026.
State of the Braves Rotation
This trade would add depth to the Braves’ rotation. Chris Sale and Max Fried are strong at the top, combining for a 17-6 record in 30 starts. Reynaldo Lopez has a 1.70 ERA in 14 starts. Adding Fedde would strengthen their four-man playoff rotation, assuming health remains.
The Braves’ top four starters (Sale, Fried, Lopez, Charlie Morton) are all over 30, with Sale and Fried recovering from major injuries. Additionally, Morton and Fried are free agents after this year. Fedde, at $7.5 million next year, could be a cost-effective insurance if Fried leaves.
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