With the MLB trade deadline just a day away, players are getting swept off the market quickly. Pitchers are once again the headline of the trading period as marquee names continue to be on the move. The pitcher market was once very crowded, but after a few key trades, smaller names are now up for grabs in the coming days. Will the Atlanta Braves add to that with their one-time ace, Julio Teheran?
According to Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports, Atlanta is still listening to trade offers for Teheran as teams continue to search for starting pitching help. Teheran has not exactly played well this season as his road struggles continue to be a major headline of the Braves' season. Teheran is signed for several more seasons which will be appealing to any team not looking to give up a lot for a one-season rental. However, Teheran's struggles so far this season could greatly turn teams away from offering anything at all.
Right now, Cole Hamels, David Price and Johnny Cueto are all off the board along with players like Mat Latos. That leaves several teams like the Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees looking for other options at the deadline. The Cubs are looking for one more arm to push them into the playoffs while injuries continue to haunt the Yankees and could force them into a deal.
According to WFAN's Mike Francesa via the New York Post, Michael Pineda is dealing with an elbow injury. It is not assumed to be serious, but could easily escalate into something further. That injury pairs with the ongoing issues of Ivan Nova to really put the Yankees in tough place with their pitching. Nova has returned from Tommy John surgery and continues to struggle on the mound while his numbers get worse. The Yankees have stressed Nova is healthy, but his performance does not show that. CC Sabathia has not been consistent. Masahiro Tanaka struggled in his last start. The Yankees need pitching help and the Braves might just be willing to be a seller.
According to Mark Bowman of MLB.com, the trade of Alex Wood to the Los Angeles Dodgers likely means the Braves are committed to retaining Teheran. Without the ace, Atlanta's pitching rotation is even worse and while the team is not contending for the postseason, things could get worse before getting better. However, Atlanta is in selling mode looking to rebuild and might just be willing to part with Teheran if the return package is good enough.
