Sports Illustrated released their list of 2017 MLB Trade Value Player Rankings and the list includes three Braves.
Starting pitcher Julio Teheran landed at No. 48 on Sports Illustrated’s list because of his age and experience. At 26 years old, Teheran is in his seventh season with the Braves.
“Owed just $37.3 million over the next four years, Teheran is the rare Brave who could be either a huge trade piece or a key rotation cog pitching big innings in the two-to-three-year window when Atlanta has a chance to be good again,” writer Jonah Keri said.
At No. 47 on Keri’s list is Braves’ first baseman Freddie Freeman. Like Teheran, Freeman, 27 has a great amount of experience— almost 3,800 MLB plate appearance. What could hold teams back from pulling the trigger on Freeman is his 5-year contract with $105 million left, Keri observes.
“For bigger-revenue clubs, this kind of blend of huge talent, proven results and youth would make Freeman an outstanding get,” Keri said.
Outfielder Ender Inciarte finished at No. 37 on Sports Illustrated’s list because of his defensive value. Keri writes that the hesitation to an Inciarte deal lies if front offices could learn to value an “all-world fielder” like “an elite hitter.”
“Inciarte has shown gradual hints of offensive improvement in his relatively young major league career, including his own improved batting eye. But his calling remains his defense, which ranks right there with Kiermaier, Billy Hamilton and the other great fly-chasers in the game,” Keri said.
Credit: Kevin Liles
Credit: Kevin Liles
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