Atlanta Braves News
Braves reluctant to part with draft pick in free agent signing, per report
Reports suggest that Atlanta still has money to spend on the free agent market and they have been linked recently to free agent outfielder A.J. Pollock if his demands drop. However, Ken Rosenthal of the The Athletic reports that Atlanta is reluctant to part with draft pick compensation for a signing like Pollock in wake of the sanctions that were levied against them by Major League Baseball last offseason.
Braves continue to have interest in Sonny Gray, per report
The Atlanta Braves have reportedly be in on a lot of discussions this offseason. One of those has centered on Yankees’ right-hander Sonny Gray who for the moment is still in New York and still on the block. Talks around Gray are likely to pick up soon with CC Sabathia recently cleared for baseball activities and the Braves are one of the teams that is expected to have interest.
Bringing ‘clout’ to a young team: Are we overlooking Josh Donaldson?
It happened so early this offseason that a lot of Braves fans are forgetting that the team already made a significant move with the addition of Josh Donaldson. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Gabe Burns discusses just how big of an impact Donaldson could have on the 2019 Braves.
2019 Atlanta Braves Pre-season Top 30 Prospect List: 19-24
Our countdown of the Atlanta Braves preseason Top 30 prospects for 2019 continued on Tuesday with No. 19-24. There are some interesting relief prospects in this group including Chad Sobotka who could play a big part for the team in the upcoming season.
An interview with Braves relief prospect Corbin Clouse
Braves’ reliever Corbin Cluse came in at No. 23 on our 2019 Top 30 prospects list. He took some time out of his busy schedule earlier this week to talk to us about his career to date and the upcoming season.
Mike Soroka, Kyle Wright make MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 list for right-handed pitchers
Mike Soroka and Kyle Wright both made MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 list for right-handed pitching prospects for the upcoming season. Jim Callis touts Soroka as a Rookie of the Year candidate given that he has the chance to open the season in Atlanta’s rotation.
Hall of Fame 2019: Andruw hangs in, McGriff ticks up
The rest of the 2019 Hall of Fame class will be announced next Tuesday. Fred McGriff is still unlikely to gain election but has seen a voting jump in his 10th and final season on the ballot. That bodes well for his chances of gaining election through the era committees. Andruw Jones hasn’t received a ton of support but early returns indicate that he will get the needed 5 percent to remain on the ballot.
MLB News
Phillies “Expected” To Make Offer To Bryce Harper Soon
Are the Phillies now the favorite to sign Bryce Harper? We still don’t know but they are expected to make him an offer soon. Fancred’s Jon Heyman reports that Philadelphia is looking to add one of Harper and Machado and then move on to some of the other top free agents on the market such as A.J. Pollock, Dallas Keuchel and Craig Kimbrel.
Free agents: Best fits for the best of the rest
MLB.com’s Richard Justice takes a look at the best remaining free agents not named Bryce Harper or Manny Machado and looks for a good fit for each. You will see the Braves mentioned more than once.
Doug Brocail “In Line” To Become Orioles Pitching Coach
Looks like Doug Brocail’s next stop will be in Baltimore as the Orioles new pitching coach. Brocail spent the last three seasons with the Rangers. He would replace former Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell who departed along with Buck Showalter.
Melvin Upton Jr. has decided he is B.J. Upton again
And finally, Melvin Upton Jr. is no more. Long live B.J. Upton!