Jeff Passan dropped another late night bomb involving the Braves Tuesday night, reporting they have traded left-handed pitcher Marco Gonzales to the Pirates for a player to be named later.
The Braves just recently acquired Gonzales in a trade with the Mariners that was headlined by the acquisition of Jarred Kelenic. However, it was reported not long after by Ken Rosenthal that the Braves did not intend to keep Gonzales. Now, he’s a Pittsburgh Pirate.
Gonzales has some pretty decent career numbers, owning a 4.14 ERA over nine MLB seasons, but at best, he’s a back-of-the-rotation option. The Braves currently have better options in AJ Smith-Shawver and Bryce Elder. They also have even more depth if Reynaldo Lopez works out as a starting pitcher. Gonzales’ path to a role with the Braves was always unlikely, but he should slot in nicely with the rebuilding Pirates.
This trade was all about the Braves clearing some of the $12 million in salary Marco Gonzales is owed next year, so it will be interesting to see the amount of money they will send back to the Pirates. The player to be named later is highly unlikely to be a worthwhile prospect, but saving some cash that they can utilize later this offseason should be viewed as a win.
The move also signals some confidence on the Braves end that they will be able to acquire another starting pitcher. Marco Gonzales may not be a frontline starter, but he’s proven to be a capable piece of a major-league rotation. The Braves probably wouldn’t be making this trade if they didn’t think they were adding another starting arm.
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