This week’s mailbag delves into the Braves, Padres, and Red Sox offseason possibilities, potential landing spots for Anthony Rizzo and Walker Buehler, unique Reds trade proposals, possible trade partners for the Rangers, and much more.
Bill asks:
What will Atlanta do this offseason with their shortstop, pitching, catching, and outfield needs?
I don’t believe the Braves will make any major moves at catcher; they may opt to use Chadwick Tromp as Sean Murphy’s backup and monitor Drake Baldwin’s progress. If they were looking to reduce Murphy’s playing time, they would have retained Travis d’Arnaud.
Regarding starting pitchers, the Braves have been linked to Walker Buehler, Nick Pivetta, and Nathan Eovaldi. We should find out by Friday whether they will offer Griffin Canning a contract. I’m not sold on Pivetta fitting in well, especially since he turned down a qualifying offer.
Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution mentioned similar names 12 days ago and also speculated on Jordan Montgomery, Jack Flaherty, Kevin Gausman, and Shane Bieber. I also see Kikuchi as a viable free-agent option, along with Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, and a potential reunion with Charlie Morton. The Braves might pursue Garrett Crochet or look to trade for Fedde, Sonny Gray, Zack Littell, Jesus Luzardo, Luis Castillo, or Jeffrey Springs. They could also consider signing Jeff Hoffman as a starter, based on the success of that strategy with Reynaldo Lopez.
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