As the second half gets underway for the Atlanta Braves expect the rumor mill to kick into high gear with the trade deadline just a little over two weeks away. The thought heading into the deadline is that the Braves will be kicking the tires on potential upgrades for the starting rotation and possibly the bullpen.
Given Alex Anthopoulos’ track record since joining the Braves front office, expect him to kick the tires on nearly everyone. Just something to keep in mind as these reports start to come out.
The latest of which involves Tigers left-hander Matthew Boyd. The Detroit News’ Chris McCosky reports that the Braves are one of several teams that have interest in Boyd. Boyd has enjoyed a breakout season for a rebuilding Tigers club. He has a 3.56 FIP / 3.34 xFIP in 107 innings while averaging just under 12 strikeouts per nine innings. Boyd is in his first year of arbitration and would be under team control through the 2022 season.
Per McCosky, Detroit is looking for a major league ready hitter and at least one top prospect. Teams like the Dodgers, Padres, Cubs and Red Sox are also rumored to be in on Boyd as well.
A few days ago, there was a report by a less than reputable source, that the Braves were in discussions with the Blue Jays in regards to Marcus Stroman. However, MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reports that the rumor was not true and that Atlanta hasn’t spoken with Toronto at least yet.
Despite twitter rumors, I hear there’s been no talk to this point between the Braves and Jays involving Marcus Stroman. “Total fabrication,” is a phrase I heard.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 11, 2019
Given Anthopoulos’ history with the Blue Jays and the Braves’ need for a starter, this is an easy line to draw. I fully expect to hear that Anthopoulos has checked in on Stroman at some point but that doesn’t appear to have happened yet.