The Atlanta Braves are considering bolstering their pitching rotation by acquiring Zach Eflin, a right-handed pitcher from the Tampa Bay Rays. The Braves have been eyeing Eflin as a potential addition to their team, especially after Spencer Strider’s season-ending injury. Eflin, who has been pitching for the Rays, has a 4.12 ERA and has shown consistency in avoiding walks. However, his strikeout rate and hard-hit ball rate are below average. Despite this, the Braves see potential in Eflin and believe he could be a valuable addition to their team.
Eflin’s contract with the Rays is a three-year, $40 million deal, with $11 million paid out in 2023 and 2024 and $18 million in 2025. This contract structure could make him an attractive trade target for the Braves, who are looking to strengthen their pitching rotation. The Braves are currently in a strong position, with a solid pitching staff and a good team dynamic. However, they are aware that they need to make some adjustments to stay competitive, especially with the loss of Strider.
The Braves’ interest in Eflin is not surprising, given their history of acquiring veteran pitchers to bolster their rotation. They have a reputation for being aggressive in the trade market, and Eflin’s contract and performance make him an attractive target. However, it’s worth noting that the Rays are also in a good position, with a strong pitching staff and a good team dynamic. They may be hesitant to trade Eflin, especially if they feel that he is an important part of their team’s success.
In terms of the trade itself, it’s difficult to predict what the Braves would be willing to give up in exchange for Eflin. However, it’s likely that they would need to offer a significant package of prospects and/or major league players to convince the Rays to make a deal. The Braves have a deep farm system, with several highly-rated prospects who could be used as trade bait. They also have a number of major league players who could be used to sweeten the deal.
Overall, the potential trade between the Braves and Rays is an interesting one, and it will be worth watching to see how it plays out. The Braves are clearly looking to strengthen their pitching rotation, and Eflin could be a valuable addition to their team. However, the Rays are also in a good position, and they may be hesitant to trade away one of their key pitchers. Only time will tell if a deal can be reached, and what the terms of that deal would be.
