Before January, the Red Sox traded the legendary pitcher Chris Sale to the Atlanta Braves, along with a substantial amount of cash, in exchange for Vaughn Grissom. In hindsight, this trade has become a sore spot for Red Sox fans, raising the question: why would they part with Sale while essentially covering a year of his salary?
Sale was once a consistent Cy Young contender, but injuries began to take their toll. He struggled in 2019 and missed the entire 2020 season due to Tommy John surgery. From 2020 to 2022, he managed to pitch only 48.1 innings. His injury woes continued into 2023, where he again performed poorly. What followed was disappointing for Red Sox fans: he was traded to the Braves and went on to win a pitching triple crown (and possibly a Gold Glove). Meanwhile, the Red Sox missed the postseason entirely. In July, Grissom, who has faced criticism from Red Sox supporters, responded with some colorful language to that feedback. Unfortunately, despite Sale’s success, the Braves’ playoff hopes ended without him taking the mound in the Wild Card matchup.
With Max Fried and Charlie Morton likely leaving the Braves, who could Alex Anthopoulos look to acquire as replacements? Ian Anderson is expected to return, and Spencer Strider is also in the mix. The Braves have some depth with options like AJ Smith-Shawver and Hurston Waldrep.
The free agent market will have several reputable names, but Anthopoulos suggested at the trade deadline, following the acquisition of Jorge Soler, that he plans to manage the budget carefully and remain below the third luxury tax threshold. Additionally, the Braves’ farm system lacks quality depth, making trades or signings for valuable players less likely.
However, there’s a chance Anthopoulos might seek an under-the-radar pitcher who could replicate the Sale trade. But who could that target be?
3. LHP Jeffrey Springs
Typically, we see failed starters transition to relief roles, but Jeffrey Springs is an example of a reliever who successfully became a starter. After just two starts in 2018, he didn’t start another game until 2022. Springs struggled in his role as a reliever while playing for the Rangers, Red Sox, and Rays. However, in his first year as a starter, he recorded an impressive 2.46 ERA over 135.1 innings, striking out 144 batters and walking only 31. He made 25 starts in 33 appearances for the Rays that year.
Unfortunately, he couldn’t build on this success, as injuries sidelined him during 2023 and 2024, limiting him to just 49 innings over those two seasons.
Now, with the team undergoing a significant rebuild and having traded players like Jason Adam, Randy Arozarena, and Tyler Glasnow, there are rumors, according to Nick Deeds of MLB Trade Rumors, that the Tampa Bay Rays may be considering trading some of their rotation pitchers.
Springs’ overall durability raises some concerns; he has only surpassed 44.2 innings once—during the 2022 season when he proved he could be an effective starter. Yet, it remains uncertain how he would perform over an entire season. If the Braves decide to acquire him, it would be a gamble similar to their deal for Sale. However, Springs presents a chance to acquire exceptional talent at a lower cost. The 32-year-old left-hander is slated to enter free agency in 2028, having signed an extension that includes a club option for 2027. His contract has $36 million remaining through 2027, consisting of $10.5 million for each of the 2025 and 2026 seasons, and $15 million in 2027 or a $750,000 option buyout.
2. RHP Drew Rasmussen
If Springs seems too pricey to take a chance on, there are other solid options for the Rays, one of which is Drew Rasmussen. Like Springs, Rasmussen has faced injury challenges over the past two years. In 2022, during his only full season as a starter, he posted a 2.84 ERA with 125 strikeouts over 146 innings.
However, since that season, Rasmussen has only pitched 73.1 innings. After returning from the injured list and making his 2024 debut, he has primarily been utilized as a reliever and opener, throwing 28.2 innings with a 2.83 ERA. His fastball velocity this year has been impressive, ranking in the 90th percentile at an average of 96.9 mph. Notably, his ERA has not exceeded 2.84 since his debut season in 2020.
The main concern with Rasmussen is the same as with Springs: durability. Fortunately, taking a chance on Rasmussen isn’t as high-risk. The 29-year-old right-hander is expected to earn around $3.3 million next year before arbitration in 2026, making him significantly more affordable than Springs. Rasmussen is set to become a free agent in 2027, offering interested teams a cost-effective opportunity to acquire a quality arm.
1. RHP Alek Manoah
The third-place contender in the 2022 AL Cy Young race might also offer the Braves an opportunity for quality pitching at a lower cost. Alek Manoah made a strong debut in 2021 with a 3.22 ERA, and the following year, he gained significant recognition as a Cy Young contender, posting an impressive 2.24 ERA with 180 strikeouts over 196.2 innings. However, he has struggled since then.
In 2023, Manoah’s performance declined significantly, resulting in a 5.87 ERA. After dealing with a shoulder injury, he returned in 2024 but was sidelined by an elbow injury after just five starts, during which he managed a 3.70 ERA.
Given his past success and current struggles, Manoah presents an appealing investment as a potential comeback candidate. The 26-year-old righty (turning 27 in January) is projected to earn around $2.3 million next year before entering arbitration in 2025. He will be a free agent in 2028. However, any trade for Manoah would depend on the Toronto Blue Jays’ needs.
Toronto is under significant pressure to contend for a postseason spot, especially with several key players set to become free agents after the season. Their top priorities include making trades to enhance their postseason chances while reducing payroll to extend Vladimir Guerrero Jr. It’s uncertain how much Manoah will be able to contribute in 2025, particularly as he recovers from Tommy John surgery, which could keep him out for part of the season. The Blue Jays’ priorities and the Braves’ minor-league talent indicate that Manoah could be an exceptional trade target for both teams. But can he return to his former self?
One thing we know about the Braves is that they excel at maximizing player potential. If they can replicate their success with Sale, they could have a wealth of potential aces in Manoah, along with Anderson, Strider, Lopez, and the promising Spencer Schwellenbach. Even if there are reservations within the organization, Manoah is not a costly gamble, presenting a scenario where the potential rewards far outweigh the risks.
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