The Braves have found immense difficulty closing out games, with the Atlanta bullpen posting a 4.79 ERA this season. The club exited Spring Training with a heavily left-handed relief corps, but even high-leverage arms have been largely unstable. Given that the Braves are still within striking distance in the division, there is speculation that they could be in the market for relief pitching this summer.
Robert Murray of Fansided gave a rundown of market conditions, noting that Atlanta and Toronto have been active in the market for bullpen help:
Rival executives say that two of the most aggressive teams looking for bullpen help have been the Atlanta Braves and Toronto Blue Jays.
With the Cubs and Nationals unlikely to sell, it takes Craig Kimbrel, Brad Hand and Daniel Hudson from the trade market. The best reliever now expected to be available is Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Richard Rodriguez, who is already drawing trade interest, as well as Los Angeles Angels righty Raisel Iglesias, Texas Rangers righty Ian Kennedy and Seattle Mariners righty Kendall Graveman, among others.
Will the Braves find a trade partner for reliable arms?
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