Braves Advised Against Risking Prospects for NL Rival’s $13.5M Roadblock

Whispers of doubt are swirling around Truist Park: Are the Atlanta Braves’ pitching problem a time bomb – something that can derail their championship dream once again? Well, the team is still lagging behind the Phillies and the Mariners even with the best starting pitchers.

And the worst part? Last year’s postseason breakout is still haunting the fans. This is exactly why they want their team to get one more starting pitcher. So, should Atlanta trade prospects for an NL rival’s $13.5 million player, Dylan Cease? You may think that’s enticing but experts don’t agree because such trade might cost them long-term success.

But what about NOW! It might increase the Atlanta Braves’ odds of winning. Fans are speculating, hoping, and asking “Will the Braves sign a starting pitcher?” to help out their lineup? Another reliable “innings eater” definitely means an additional arm! What else can that be if not good? MLB insider Ken Rosenthal has the answer for you!

While discussing “Top Spring Training Storylines,” on Foul Territory, he mentioned the Braves are content with their team’s current state. “They’ve got Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach, and Reynaldo López. The rest is a little bit less clear, but they’re very high on Grant Holmes, who they expect will be in the rotation to start the season,” he pointed out.

The return of Ian Anderson from injury adds another potential starter to the mix. Rosenthal emphasized, “The key question is Spencer Strider. They expect him back, barring any setbacks with his injury and health, sometime early in the season. Once he’s back, they’re really in a good spot.”

But rumors out there are that the Braves front office is checking the starting pitching market but doesn’t want to make a move yet. The goal now is to allow Holmes an opportunity and see what Anderson can do after surgery.

However, in the meantime, if they could avoid the barrier of luxury tax, they might break free to sign Dylan Cease.

The temptation of Dylan Cease

The San Diego Padres have brought up Dylan Cease in their trade talks. Offloading him means the Padres can come out of the luxury tax threshold and reap the first and third top prospects from Atlanta, catcher Drake Baldwin and right-handed pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver. But Cease’s high asking price is definitely a hindrance for the Braves, too, even if he could strengthen their rotation. “If they could somehow acquire Dylan Cease, that would be great, but that would cost them prospects,” Ken analyzed.

The Braves are known for homegrown talent. So, risking future stars for a pricey pitcher isn’t probably a healthy plan. Giving up high-end arms and position players may make the team suboptimal unless Cease lives up to the hype. And the team is anyway optimistic about their younger pitching prospects. Rosenthal explained, “They’re in no rush for anything major. They want to see what these guys (Holmes and Anderson) can do.”

While the supporters crave immediate action, the organization realizes the need for balance. They are ready to work on opportunities that make sense. But they can never do a deal that jeopardizes the future for an instant reward.

Tbh, at this point, the Braves shouldn’t give up much of their star-studded pipeline for a potential short-term fix. Their strong rotation is set to return to full strength. Holding onto their assets would show they want to win now and in the future.

But let’s hear it from you as well! Do you think it would be wise to trade for Dylan Cease? Join the conversation!