In this series of potential trade candidates, my primary focus has been on left-handed batters because that is what Alex Anthopoulos said he would be trying to add ahead of the trade deadline. However, with all the injuries that have hit the Braves bullpen, adding a reliever — particularly one from the right side — is equally as important.
If you missed any of the previous pieces to this series, follow the links below.
Daniel Bard
Bard is on a one-year contract, having the best season of his career, and is on a Rockies team that has fallen into last place in the NL West. There is no reason Colorado should hold onto him at the trade deadline. Bard has 15 saves in 17 opportunities and is boasting a minuscule 2.12 ERA and 0.94 WHIP. On the surface, his 3.53 FIP suggests he’s been the beneficiary of some luck, but his Baseball Savant page tells a different story.
Bard is in the 100th percentile when it comes to xBA, 99th in xSLG, 98th in xERA, and 98th in xwOBA — just to name a few. His entire page is a sea of red, another reason why every competing team will coming knocking at the deadline. I expect the Braves to be interested, but Anthopoulos — like all quality GMs — isn’t going to overpay for a reliever on a one year deal. If the price is right, though, Bard would be a tremendous addition to Atlanta’s bullpen.
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