Last night, they got an absolute haul for Shelby Miller, receiving outfielder Ender Inciarte, pitching prospect Aaron Blair and shortstop prospect Dansby Swanson. Swanson was the #1 overall pick in the 2015 MLB draft and should be ready to contribute at the major league level in 2017. Blair shoudl contribute this season and Inciarte will be the Braves every day center fielder on Opening Day.
Now that the Braves have finally traded starter Miller, they should turn their attention to dealing first baseman Freddie Freeman. Now.
Who should new GM John Coppolella call to make offers? How about the Astros and the Pirates? Both teams are in need of a big league ready first baseman, and both could win their respective divisions in 2016. Both teams are in win now mode so dealing for Freeman to fill a position of need makes sense.
From the Braves point of view, dealing Freeman may not make as much sense, as he is just 26 years old, but the Braves probably won't be ready to compete until 2018-2019 and Freeman is owed $12 million this season, but his salary rises to $20.5 million in 2017, $21 million in 2018 and 2019 and $22 million in 2020 and 2021. So they owe him about $118.5 million over the next six seasons. That said, he still has plenty of value on the trade market since he is still young, so the time to deal him is now.
Let's take a look at what a trade offer from the Astros and Pirates might look like:
Astros
Astros give: first base prospect A.J. Reed and pitching prospect Mark Appel
Braves give: Freeman and closer Arodys Vizcaino
The Braves get a power hitting first baseman in Reed to replace Freeman and pitching prospect Appel, who has the stuff to be a #2 starter in the big leagues but just needs to improve his control.
The Astros get an experienced first baseman who is good at the plate and in the field, and Vizcaino who can set up for newly acquired closer Ken Giles.
Pirates
Pirates give: pitching prospect Tyler Glasnow and first base prospect Josh Bell
Braves give: Freeman and closer Arodys Vizcaino
The Braves get one of the best pitching prospects in the game in Glasnow, a starter who has #1 potential and Bell, who is still learning how to play first base who has a solid hit tool but is still learning how to get to his power in games.
The Pirates get a middle of the order hitter in Freeman, who solves the never ending first base dilemma in Pittsburgh and Vizcaino, who could close should the Pirates succeed in dealing closer Mark Melancon this offseason. If not, he can close when Melancon leaves after the 2016 season. Giving up Glasnow is probably not ideal, but Freeman is one of the best young first baseman in the game,
Am I valuing Freeman too high, too low, or are these offers in the ball park? Let's discuss in the comments section.