Theres an increasing belief among teams Mike Clevinger has a likelihood to be dealt. Indians have 6 excellent or better starters, all on affordable offers. Price is appropriately high. Braves, Padres, Yankees, Dodgers amongst lots of whove been in contact.– Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 30, 2020
From a skill point of view, Clevinger would be rather an addition to the Braves rotation. With the development of Mike Soroka last year, Max Fried this year, and the battles of the Braves other young beginners (beyond Ian Andersons debut), Anthopoulos may now have evidence that obtaining a talent like Clevinger is worth the cost. A deal for Clevinger need to still be thought about not likely, both Clevinger and the need to get another trusted starter for the future and present are practical choices to completely explore.
In spite of current occasions, the interest in Clevinger is not a surprise. Merely put, he would be a very valuable addition to any rotation in baseball. As a result, there is a likelihood the rate in prospects to obtain Clevinger will be quite high. Throughout Alex Anthopouloss time as the Braves General Manager, he has shown a clear preference to hang on to the Braves best potential customers. With the introduction of Mike Soroka last year, Max Fried this year, and the struggles of the Braves other young beginners (beyond Ian Andersons debut), Anthopoulos might now have evidence that obtaining a skill like Clevinger is worth the rate. Though an offer for Clevinger should still be thought about not likely, both Clevinger and the requirement to acquire another reliable starter for the present and future are sensible alternatives to totally explore.
On the heels of their trade for Tommy Milone from the Orioles, the Braves appear to be really busy in their pursuit of rotation upgrades. While Milone is more of a depth acquisition to supply innings and proficient production, it appears Atlanta may be looking at including more gifted arms to their present and future plans.
From a talent perspective, Clevinger would be quite an addition to the Braves rotation. From 2017-2019, Clevinger was worth 10.9 fWAR, which was the 17th best overall amongst qualified beginners in the MLB over that stretch. He was also eighth in ERA over that period. Though his 2020 numbers have actually decreased a bit, that likely can be connected to how his season has actually played out.
It might appear odd that the Indians would consider trading a skill like Clevinger, particularly with 2 more seasons of control beyond 2020. However, after an event previously this season in which Clevinger and colleague Zach Plesac broke COVID-19 procedures and were sent to the Indians alternate website, speculation has chosen up that both pitchers could be trade targets for other teams.
