Texas Rangers: Three Trade Destinations for Lance Lynn

Emerging NL Favorite: Atlanta Braves

Calling the Atlanta Braves an emerging favorite isn’t indicative of their current status, where they are already a top contender, but merely an encapsulation of their ability to step into the NL spotlight for years to come. A young team filled with budding superstars and talented prospects, the Braves are quickly becoming a powerhouse in the National League and are just now entering their contending window.

If there’s a weakness of the Braves team right now though, it’s their starting rotation which is filled with talented young arms, but lacks a ton of consistent performers. Max Fried has been stellar for Atlanta this season but the club just lost 2019 NL Rookie of the Year runner-up Mike Soroka for the season leaving a void in the rotation. The Braves are in need of a top-end starter but their window extends beyond this year meaning a rental is not a top priority.

Enter Lance Lynn and his team-friendly contract through the 2021 season. Lynn would join Fried to give Atlanta a real combination to throw against opponents in the postseason while also giving them a foundation for next year’s staff, a season in which Atlanta is sure to only get better. Lynn would also give some valuable veteran leadership to the young Braves squad for a potential postseason run.

The question with Atlanta will always be their willingness to part with some of their top end prospects. The Rangers and Braves made a deal last year which sent Chris Martin to Atlanta for Kolby Allard. However, rumored interest in Mike Minor never came to fruition and the Braves are clear that they value their top prospects very highly.

If the Texas Rangers do get into talks with the Braves, Texas would covet a number of Atlanta’s young players. Top guys Christian Pache and Ian Anderson are surely untouchable and too rich for a deal around Lynn. But Drew Waters is an outfielder who is nearing readiness for a big league role but fairly blocked in Atlanta’s crowded outfield. Waters would instantly become the top prospect in the Rangers’ organization and could likely make a notable impact right away. Right-handed pitcher Bryse Wilson would also interest Texas who are looking to build their stable of pitching prospects with true rotation upside.

On the big league roster, a name that would be intriguing to watch is Austin Riley. The 23-year old got off to a sizzling start in the big leagues last season when he debuted but cooled off considerably and is off to a rough beginning to the 2020 season. His fit is an area of concern for Atlanta with all the young talent at or nearing the bigs. The Braves may not want to commit the time to furthering his development but the Texas Rangers are a club with time to spare right now.