The Atlanta Braves hold a lot of power in the MLB market right now. As sellers this offseason, the Braves are looking to make as many trade deals as they can in order to restock their roster with young talent that can develop in the coming years. The Braves are hoping to take similar paths the Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros did rebuilding their franchises even if it means shipping off talent in the process. Right now they have the hottest name on the market in Shelby Miller.
Several MLB teams are looking for an ace pitcher for next season, but they are unwilling to pay the price to get someone like Zack Greinke or Johnny Cueto especially after David Price's contract of $31 million per season set the bar very high. As a result, trades are the favored move and the Braves hold the power with Miller. According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, over 20 teams have expressed interest in the starting pitcher, but the Braves could be favoring a deal with the Cubs.
Chicago wants another starting pitcher, but they do not want to overpay. Miller is now their ideal target and the Braves could be very willing to listen to their offers. According to ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick, the Braves are very interested in Jorge Soler who is being shopped by the Cubs. Crasnick writes that the Braves are willing to discuss a trade for the outfielder and potentially Javier Baez in exchange for Miller or even Julio Teheran.
Both Soler and Baez fit needs for the Braves while being young prospects they can develop. Both players come with an amount of risk as neither have been consistent enough to really bank a future on. However, they might be the best option Atlanta has. The Braves are expecting a lot in return for Miller. Getting Soler and Baez in a deal might be the best thing for them. According to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com, the Braves have tried to get Luis Severino from the Yankees and Joc Pederson from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Neither deal progressed far leaving the Cubs a top option.
According to ESPN.com, Chicago wants a top pitcher, but cannot afford to be in the market for a marquee ace given what Price signed for. That leaves a trade as the best option and Miller would be an excellent pitcher they can retain for years to come while boosting their rotation.
