Over the past few weeks, the Atlanta Braves have emerged as the NL East favorite and potential NL Pennant contender. However, the other trait of this team that has clearly emerged is the need for starting pitching. Beyond the potential CY Young campaign that Max Fried is putting together, the Braves have seen plenty of adventures and nightmares from their other starters.
On Sunday, the Braves looked to make things a bit more stable.
The Braves are close to acquiring left-handed starter Tommy Milone from the Orioles. Other details of the potential deal have not been revealed.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) August 30, 2020
MLB.com’s Mark Bowman is reporting that the Braves are close to acquiring starter Tommy Milone from the Baltimore Orioles. On Thursday, Bowman speculated that Atlanta would be looking to add to its rotation, and that the addition would preferably be an arm whose contract does not extend beyond 2020. Milone fits that description.
While other names, such as the Angels Dylan Bundy, have been connected to Atlanta, Milone seems to be a inexpensive option to add depth to the Braves’ rotation. This season, Milone (3.99 ERA/ 3.86 FIP/ 3.97 xFIP) has experienced a bit of success after several subpar years. Though he is just 1-4 over 29 1⁄3 innings, Milone is producing the best strikeout rate (9.51) and lowest walk rate (1.23) of his career.
Other higher profile names may have been preferred, but it seemed over the past few days that if the Braves were going to add a pitcher, it would be someone who they could get without paying a big cost, either monetarily or in prospects. Though Milone’s track record certainly should be considered and does not offer a high amount of confidence, his performance so far this year is certainly an upgrade from the Braves current options after Fried.
UPDATE: Sunday, August 30th, 2020, 10:06 AM EST
Jon Heyman has updated details on the trade.
Tommy Milone goes to Braves for 2 players to be named later @mlbbowman 1st
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 30, 2020
UPDATE: The Braves have officially announced the move
Atlanta #Braves Acquire Tommy Milone: pic.twitter.com/y2mO0iyqgp
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 30, 2020