Key Takeaways:
– Proposed trade suggests Atlanta Braves acquiring Erick Fedde from the White Sox in exchange for two prospects.
– Erick Fedde is currently displaying an All-Star caliber season.
– If approved, the trade would fortify the Braves’ pitching lineup.
– Former MLB GM Jim Bowden suggests the White Sox might require more for Erick Fedde.
Potential Trade Boosts Braves’ Starting Pitching Lineup
The depth of a team’s starting pitching can determine their performance, and the Atlanta Braves seem set to enhance theirs. The Braves are considering a trade proposal brought forward by David O’Brien from The Athletic which suggests the White Sox’s Erick Fedde swapping clubs for two of the Braves’ talented prospects.
Fedde’s Performance Overview
Erick Fedde, right-handed pitcher (RHP) for the White Sox, is currently enjoying an All-Star level season. After reviving his career during 2023 in South Korea, Fedde has been a valuable asset for the White Sox. So far, he has done impressively in his 17 starts, boasting a 3.23 earned run average (ERA), 91 strikeouts, and has surrendered 89 hits in 100.1 innings. He has managed to keep his walks down to 2.2 batters per nine innings, a personal career-low for him.
Prospects on the Trading Block
On the Braves’ side, RHP Garrett Baumann and shortstop Mario Baez might be part of the trade. Both are promising talents in their own right. Baumann is currently shining in A-ball with a 3.20 ERA and 0 home runs granted over 244 batters faced. He also matches Fedde’s statistic with only two batters walked per nine innings. Baez, a 17-year-old, has struggled to adapt to the pitching in the Florida Complex League. However, his plus arm, adept glovework, and above-average speed make him a valuable player. With numerous shortstops in their top prospect candidates, the Braves can afford to trade one at a low risk.
Despite these promising prospects, Jim Bowden, former MLB General Manager, feels that the White Sox would demand a stronger pitching prospect in return for Fedde who isn’t merely a half-year rental. Bowden suggested that RHP Cade Kuehler might be a more suitable fit for a fair trade.
Colossal Cade Kuehler?
Kuehler, the No. 8 player in the Braves’ Minor League system, could be the game-changer the White Sox are waiting for. The 22-year-old clocks a 2.20 ERA for Class A Augusta, holding opponents to a .220 batting average. MLB.com predicted his Major League arrival in 2026, giving the White Sox enough time to groom the prospect and reap his potential.
Braves’ Rotation Review
Adding Fedde to the Braves’ team will create a robust playoff rotation, should health be on their side. The current Braves’ rotation, including Chris Sale, Max Fried, Reynaldo Lopez, and Charlie Morton, are all 30-plus and stand a risk of facing injuries. Sale, Fried, and Morton are particularly concerning, having just recovered from major injuries.
Adding low-cost (only $7.5 million next year) yet high-impact player like Fedde could be a wise insurance strategy. In case Fried signs elsewhere after becoming a free agent at the end of this season, Fedde’s arrival would cushion the potential loss. The Braves are eager to retain Fried, but they also have their sights set on sustainable success.
The proposed trade looks promising but has yet to be finalized. Keep an eye on this space for updates. As the potential trade progresses, we will all wait for the impact it has on the Atlanta Braves and their bid for solid pitching strength.