The Braves have broadened their search on the trade market now for both a proven starter and bullpen piece for the stretch run, given Wednesday’s season-ending ankle injury to Tim Hudson. But finding the right fit in a narrow market over the next five days could be a challenge, Braves general manager Frank Wren said.
Wren said this is the thinnest market he’s encountered in 22 years of working trades at the major league level – which he attributes to the additional wild card keeping more teams in the hunt as Wednesday’s non-waiver deadline approaches.
“I’ve had years where I’ve had two legal pages written out of names of potential trade possibilities,” Wren said. “This year I’ve got half a page of teams and names that really fit for us, so it’s a small number.”
One of the primary candidates on the Braves’ wish list is Jake Peavy, but the veteran White Sox right-hander is also coveted by the likes of the Cardinals, Red Sox and Athletics. The Braves have the financial flexibility to cover Peavy’s salary of $14.5 million for 2014 (he also has a $15 million vesting option for 2015); it would be a matter of whether they could find the right fit in terms of minor league prospects the Braves would be willing to give up.
Other available starters include Ervin Santana, though the Royals asking price is expected to be high, and Bud Norris, though the Astros’ middle-of-the order starter might not be the impact pitcher the Braves are looking to add. The Braves have also scouted Kyle Lohse with the Brewers, who could be another option.
“The payroll is not going to be the issue for us; it’s going to be the talent we have to give up,” Wren said. “It’s also understanding how much of an upgrade a particular player is for us. It’s a thin market. Are there pitchers out there that would make us better? Yes. The number of them is pretty low.”
The Braves top major league scouts, who have been on the road for the past six weeks, are convening in Atlanta this weekend and will begin meeting with Wren Sunday to comb over trade scenarios and discuss potential matches with other teams.
The Braves have also been looking for another bench piece – a left-handed bat and backup infielder - but Wren said that might be something the Braves push back until August when they could still make a waiver trade for such an addition.
