JUST IN: Trade Proposal Sends $7.5 Million to Braves

Here’s a summary of the information:

Jim Bowden commented, “I agree the Braves really need one more veteran starter. Fedde is a reliable mid-rotation pitcher who has found his groove, delivering crucial innings akin to a bulldog’s mentality, especially vital as the season progresses into August and September.”

Fedde, who had a career revival in South Korea in 2023, is having an outstanding season with the White Sox. In 17 starts this year, the 31-year-old boasts a 3.23 ERA, striking out 91 batters while allowing 89 hits across 100.1 innings. Notably, he’s posting a career-low 2.2 walks per 9 innings.

The White Sox Might Need More in an Erick Fedde Trade

Here’s a breakdown of the prospects mentioned and their potential impact:

1. **Baumann**: Thriving in A-ball with a 3.20 ERA and zero home runs allowed over 244 batters faced. He also maintains excellent control, walking only 2 batters per nine innings.

2. **Baez**: Despite struggling offensively in the Florida Complex League, he possesses above-average speed, a strong arm, and solid defensive skills at shortstop. Given the Braves’ depth in shortstop prospects, he could be expendable in a trade.

3. **Kuehler**: Ranked as the Braves’ No. 8 prospect, he boasts a 2.20 ERA with a .220 opponents’ batting average in Class A Augusta. His Major League ETA is estimated around 2026 by MLB.com, indicating he’s a promising pitching prospect.

Jim Bowden suggests that including Kuehler alongside Baumann and Baez might be necessary to persuade the White Sox to accept the trade for Fedde, who offers more than just a half-year rental with an additional year of control.

State of the Braves Rotation

Here’s a summary of the Braves’ pitching situation and the potential impact of adding Fedde:

The Braves currently have strong performances from Chris Sale and Max Fried at the top of their rotation, combining for a 17-6 record in 30 starts. Reynaldo Lopez has been a pleasant surprise with a 1.70 ERA in 14 starts since returning to starting pitching.

Adding Erick Fedde would bolster their rotation depth significantly, potentially forming a formidable playoff rotation. However, there are concerns about the health and age of their top starters. Sale and Fried have dealt with significant injuries in recent years, and both Charlie Morton and Fried are set to become free agents after this season.

Fedde, with an affordable contract of $7.5 million next year and an additional year of control, could provide valuable insurance if Fried departs in free agency. This move could strengthen the Braves’ rotation depth and prepare them for potential postseason success, provided all pitchers remain healthy.