Julio Teheran was once considered untouchable.
photo by Tim Evearitt
Though Braves president of baseball operations John Hart admitted that he has continued to receive calls from teams interested in veteran catcher A.J. Pierzynski, he indicated that he is not actively attempting to complete another deal before the non-waiver Trade Deadline arrives today at 4 p.m. ET.
But given how active Hart, assistant general manager John Coppolella and their staff have been dating back to the offseason, it certainly would not be wise to dismiss the possibility that they could stir the trade market yet again by finding the value they would need to be persuaded to trade either Julio Teheran or Cameron Maybin.
The Braves have toyed with the idea of trading Pierzynski, but it appears they are now leaning toward keeping him around for at least a few more weeks to help mentor a young pitching staff that now includes three rookie starters.
Like Jonny Gomes, Pierzynski might be more likely to be moved to a pennant contender in August. But for now, he is willing to extend the role he has served throughout this season.
If Pierzynski is definitely off the block, Teheran and Maybin would stand as the club's most attractive trade chips. But the club has made it known they will not move either of these players unless they are blown away by an offer.
Given that Alex Wood was dealt to the Dodgers on Wednesday, the Braves might be even less tempted to move Teheran, whose value is as low as it has been since he became a Major League mainstay in 2013. Atlanta certainly does not want to sell low on the 24-year-old right-hander, who is owed just $28.6 million over the next four seasons.
But the Braves have enough starting pitching depth that they might be tempted to gain value from a club looking for starting pitching before today's deadline.
As Maybin has batted .218 since the All-Star break, he has reignited the fear that he might lose some of the value he enhanced with an impressive first half. But the Braves do not seem to be intent to move the rejuvenated center fielder unless they gain a significant return.
As this week has progressed, the Braves have continued to get unanticipated calls from teams interested in veteran reliever Jason Frasor, who has impressed since signing with Atlanta after being released by the Royals earlier this month.
Frasor has surrendered just one hit in the 3 2/3 scoreless innings he has completed for the Braves. Though walks have been an issue for him all year, he has limited right-handed batters to a .204 (10-for-49) batting average.
Source: MLB.com