The Atlanta Braves continue to make moves during the winter meetings as they appear to be coming out winners in this offseason. Even though the team upset fans by dealing away Andrelton Simmons showing winning in 2016 is not a priority, they are building towards a successful future as the moves continue to come. With more trades on the horizon, what is next for the Braves?
According to team president John Hart via ESPN.com, a trade of Julio Teheran is not happening. It was first reported by CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman that the Braves were seeking interest for both Shelby Miller and Teheran during the winter meetings. Miller was sent to Arizona, meaning Teheran stays put.
"We love Julio," Hart said, via 680 The Fan in Atlanta. "Julio is going to be the anchor of our [rotation]."
Right now the Braves cannot give up Teheran as they will lack another ace. The pitcher is signed to a contract worth six years and $32,4 million which is not difficult to keep on. While he is coming off a down season, he is the best option for Atlanta moving forward since Miller is now out of the picture.
Another player not getting traded in the near future is Ender Inciarte who was involved in the deal with Miller. According to MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal, the Braves are receiving interest for the outfielder since acquiring him from the Diamondbacks, but Atlanta is not dealing. After letting go of Cameron Maybin with deals for Michael Bourn and Nick Swisher on the horizon, Inciarte is staying put.
According to FOX Sports, the Braves could be shopping Christian Bethancourt in the near future. The team recently agreed to a two-year, $5.3 million deal with Tyler Flowers. He will rotation with AJ Pierzynski who also signed a one-year deal. The Braves know the 39-year-old cannot play every game anymore which is where Flowers will come in. Hart told 680 the Fan that he believes Bethancourt holds value on the open market and the Braves could explore that option when they get there.
"What would happen if we put this guy out there? I think there is probably a value if we so chose," Hart said. "We haven't crossed that bridge yet, brought anybody in. But these are all options that we're considering for a very talented guy."
As far as more additions go, Bartolo Colon could be a short-term fix to the pitching rotation. According to MLB.com's Mark Bowman, the Braves have had talking with Colon's agent about signing the pitcher to a short-term deal. With young prospects preparing to make their debuts, the Braves want a pitcher they can sign to a one-year deal and Colon is that guy. There is a lot of interest in the pitcher, so the length of the contract could be what dictates where Colon goes for 2016. A one-year deal might not cut it.
