Atlanta Braves News
Ronald Acuña among 10 hitters who made impressive debuts in 2018
Ronald Acuńa makes the list of the 10 best hitters to make impressive debuts in 2018. Acuña ranked near the top in the majors in hard-hit rate and spring speed and captured Rookie of the Year honors while slugging 26 home runs in just 111 games.
Ten things we’ll remember from the 2018 MLB season
Acuña also makes Cliff Corcoran’s list of the 10 things we will remember from the 2018 season. Corcoran writes that Acuña and Nationals’ rookie Juan Soto’s debuts reminded him of the 2012 debuts of Bryce Harper and Mike Trout.
Talking Chop Podcast Episode 147: Holiday mailbag
Brad is joined by TC’s Scott Coleman to wrap up 2018 by opening the mailbag.
Lineup construction intersects with Braves’ search for corner outfielder
Atlanta is still in need of a corner outfielder but also needs a clean up hitter to place behind Freddie Freeman in the lineup. Grant McAuley goes through some options that could fill both roles who may be available through trade. Grant and Nick Green also released another episode of Around the Big Leagues on Friday where they answered several fan questions while discussing the hot stove season.
MLB News
The Toronto Blue Jays signed right-hander Matt Shoemaker to a one-year deal worth a reported $3.5 million plus possible incentives. Shoemaker was non-tendered by the Angels earlier this offseason.
Dallas Keuchel Still Seeking Five-Year Deal
Free-agent starter Dallas Keuchel and his agent Scott Boras are reportedly seeking a five-year deal in free agency. Reports suggest that the Phillies are among the teams that are interested but are reluctant to meet his demand for a five year contract. He has also been linked to the Angels, Brewers, Rangers and Padres over the last couple of weeks.
Angels Interested In Josh Harrison
The Los Angeles Angels are one of several teams showing interest in former Pirates infielder Josh Harrison according to MLB.com’s Jon Morosi. Other teams that are interested include the Nationals, Yankees, Reds, Astros, Brewers and Giants. Harrison was limited to 97 games in 2018 where he hit .250/.293/.363 with eight home runs.
Angels Reportedly Interested In David Robertson
The Angels are also reportedly interested in free-agent reliever David Robertson.