Jackson Roberts of the Sporting News proposed an offseason trade in which the Atlanta Braves would acquire a right-handed starter currently under contract for four years and $73.5 million.
While free agency pitching options are limited, the Atlanta Braves may see new trade targets emerge. If the Braves want to add a new starting pitcher this summer, a trade is probably their best option.
On December 24, Jackson Roberts of The Sporing News advocated that the Braves purchase Minnesota Twins right-hander Pablo López.
“López would be exactly what the Braves need–a fifth star to round out what could be one of the game’s most dominant rotations,” according to Roberts. “He’s also proven his durability more than the rest of the current Braves rotation, which would represent a crucial insurance policy.”
Roberts’ trade proposal called for the Braves to send three prospects to the Twins in exchange for López: two pitchers, Hurston Waldrep and Carter Holton, and catcher Nick Montgomery. Waldrep is the No. 3 prospect in Atlanta’s minor league organization. Holton and Montgomery are among the Braves’ top 25 prospects, but neither is presently listed in the top ten.
“Because the Braves would be absorbing all of López’s payroll, they would only have to offer up one top-10 talent in return.,” Roberts continued, ” “Though Holton and Montgomery could still turn into quality big-leaguers, the Twins would be banking on Waldrep to become a star.”
In April 2023, the Twins signed Lopez to a four-year contract deal worth $73.5 million. This puts him under contract until the 2027 season.
However, on December 19, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that Minnesota has “listened” to trade offers for the right-hander this offseason. Roberts’ trade request was based on that story and the Twins’ ownership shift.
In 2024, López went 15-10 with a 4.08 ERA and a 1.192 WHIP, striking out 198 in 185.1 innings. He’s pitched at least 180 innings in each of the last three seasons.
The Braves could be interested in López due to his ability to pitch a large number of innings. Atlanta did not have a single starter throw 180 innings in 2024. Two of the Braves’ three starters who have thrown 165 innings or more are unlikely to return.
The question is if the Braves are willing to give up Waldrep, who may become Atlanta’s next starting pitcher star. He may not be ready to toss many innings in the MLB by 2025. However, if the club is confident in his ability to flourish at the top level, trading him for a depth starter will be difficult to defend.
Even if that depth starter could greatly help the Braves in the immediate future.
