The Atlanta Braves are slowly opening up to the idea of trading away Shelby Miller following just one season of play. The 25-year-old pitcher was a constant star for the team last year after being acquired in the Jason Heyward deal. Despite his lack of wins, his ERA proves he could be a real asset to the Braves. However, with the pitching market heating up, Miller is getting popular and the Braves could be aiming to take advantage of it.
According to MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal and the Chicago Sun-Times, the Cubs are the most recent team to show interest in Miller and could make an offer very intriguing for the Braves. Rosenthal continued his report by saying the Cubs are offering both Jorge Soler and Javier Baez in deals for a strong pitching arm and Miller fits the profile. Could Atlanta bite on the deal?
Since the start of the offseason, the Braves have traded Cameron Maybin and Andrelton Simmons. That opens the door for Baez and Soler to help out. The Braves are looking for young talent to rebuild the team and both players fit that profile for Atlanta. According to ESPN's Buster Olney, the Braves will be patient in a trade for Miller. Seeing his popularity on the market, they could get a solid return for the pitcher and want to make sure the right deal is in place.
Olney reports that both the Dodgers and San Francisco Giants have called about interest in Miller, but what would the team offer in return? Could Los Angeles offer Yasiel Puig? According to Olney, the outfielder could be available in the right deal. However, it is unlikely the Braves show interest. Puig comes with too big of a contract for Atlanta to be interested while his slumping stats are not attractive either.
If the Braves are dealing Miller or anyone for that matter, they are targeting younger prospects. In the deal for Maybin, the Braves got two of the Tigers pitching prospects. The team seems unconcerned at the idea that they currently do not have someone filling the role of center field. They want young talent. Puig does not fit the description.
The Braves will continue to seek out trade deals. Miller could be gone soon along with Julio Teheran, Michael Bourn and Nick Swisher. At the moment, Freddie Freeman stays put, although how long that lasts is anyone's guess.
