The Atlanta Braves are in the midst of a rebuild and haven’t shied from shipping longtime fixtures for high-caliber prospects—most recently sending shortstop Andrelton Simmons to the Los Angeles Angels for two top minor league pitchers.
Now the Braves are reportedly commencing discussions to deal starter Julio Teheran, a five-year fixture in Atlanta.
Continue for updates.
Cubs and Braves talk Teheran
Friday, Nov. 20
According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the Cubs have been in active talks with the Braves about controllable starting pitchers, including Teheran, to solidify their rotation long term.
Teheran is locked up through 2020 at an average of $5.86 million a year, per Spotrac, aligning with many on the Cubs’ current payroll, including Jorge Soler and Rookie of the Year Kris Bryant.
The Cubs are coming off a 97-win season and are expected to be very active this offseason, with a chief focus on starting pitching to surround Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester
Chicago was considered the favorite to land David Price, arguably this year’s top free agent, but Jon Morosi of Fox Sports speculated the Cubs may be inclined to take a more cost-efficient route, as Price is expected to command upward of $200 million:
Are the Cubs still interested in Price? Of course. But don’t be surprised if they instead opt to sign a lower-cost starter and trade for another. [President Theo] Epstein has rebuilt the Cubs well, to the point that writing a huge check to the biggest name isn‘€™t their only option.
Teheran certainly fits a more cost-effective bill, as does fellow Braves starter Shelby Miller, who the Cubs have also reached out in interest for, per Rosenthal.
Intentional or not, the Braves are using a similar blueprint to the one that catapulted the Cubs’ success—one that yielded four straight losing seasons under Epstein while firmly committing to export key contributors for top prospects under the right circumstances.
It worked in Chicago, as the Cubs should contend for titles the next three to five years, if not longer. The Braves are hoping to contend in 2017 when they move into their new stadium, and committing to a rebuild by dealing players such as Teheran for blue-chip prospects—the Cubs own plenty—could be necessary.
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