Report: Braves checked in on Happ, considered trade for Indians starters
The Atlanta Braves are on the hunt for veteran starting pitching and their search is taking them across the league.
In addition to their reported interest in free agent Dallas Keuchel, the Braves have also checked in with fellow southpaw J.A. Happ and the Cleveland Indians about a trade for Corey Kluber or Trevor Bauer, according to Jon Heyman of Fancred Sports.
Happ has generated a lot of interest since Patrick Corbin signed with the Washington Nationals last week, and he could be the next pitcher to find a deal in free agency.
J.A. Happ is viewed as the next key domino in the pitching marketplace. One agent of a fellow free agent pitcher said some teams are waiting on Happ’s decision before moving on other starters. #Yankees or #Phillies are best positioned to land him. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 10, 2018
The 36-year-old split his 2018 season between the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees. After arriving in New York, he was a perfect 7-0 with a 2.69 ERA in 11 starts.
After signing Carlos Carrasco to an extension last week, the Indians are reportedly motivated to find a trade partner for one of Kluber or Bauer to clear payroll.
The pitchers were two of the best in baseball last season.
PITCHER | IP | W-L | ERA | FIP | WHIP | SO |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Trevor Bauer | 175.1 | 12-6 | 2.21 | 2.44 | 1.09 | 221 |
Corey Kluber | 215 | 20-7 | 2.89 | 3.12 | 0.99 | 222 |
Bauer, 27, isn't eligible for free agency until 2021 and is projected to earn $11.6 million through arbitration.
Kluber, a two-time Cy Young winner, is 32 years old and can become a free agent in 2020. He'll earn $17 million in 2019 and has team options for 2020 and 2021.