MLB Rumors: Could the Atlanta Braves trade for Pirates ace Mitch Keller?

It's no secret that the Atlanta Braves could use some depth in their starting rotation. While most pundits believe that upgrade could come on the free-agent market, especially should Charlie Morton retire, Alex Anthopoulos has never shied away from trades before.

Late last week, Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter predicted a potential Braves-Pirates trade, which would send the Pittsburgh ace to Atlanta in exchange for a few prospects. The prospects headed back to Pittsburgh include A.J. Smith-Shawver, Allan Winans and Braden Shewmake. Here is Reuter's explanation:

"Mitch Keller finished 13-9 with a 4.21 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 210 strikeouts in 194.1 innings while earning his first All-Star selection in a breakout season. The 27-year-old is controllable through 2025, and he would slot into the Atlanta staff as one of the better No. 3 starters in baseball," Reuter wrote.

The Pirates have been sellers for a very long time, and Bucs fans are tired of trading away their most talented players in exchange for prospects, essentially pushing the competitive window down the road. On the surface, Pittsburgh general manager Ben Cherington seems to think this team can compete in the next year or two. Trading Keller, or even David Bednar for that matter, doesn't line up with that vision and would further expose a Pirates front office that cannot afford another bad PR hit.

The trade package from the Braves is a nice one, especially considering it is headlined by Smith-Shawver, a player they value. It's unclear if Anthopoulos would be willing to part ways with a pitcher they see a bright future in, so there are several complications here.

MLB Rumors: Could Ron Washington replace Dusty Baker with the Astros?

Atlanta Braves third base coach Ron Washington could be a hot commodity this offseason for teams in need of a manager. Washington once led the Texas Rangers to two American League pennants, and has proven he's capable of the job, if he wants it. However, Washington is getting up there in age (he's over 70 years old). If he wants another shot at managing, this may be his last, best shot. FanSided MLB Insider Robert Murray floated Washington as a potential replacement for Dusty Baker in Houston should he leave the Astros:

"Washington is a players' coach. He works tirelessly to help them improve, with his pregame work on the field with players famous around baseball. It's helped Austin Riley become a Gold Glove defender at third base. It's helped countless players with the organization, and he's viewed as a key piece to what that organization has built...But Washington is ready to manage again. In 2021, he told FanSided when asked about the possibility of becoming the Padres' manager: "I think I'm qualified. I think I can get that team over the hump. That's my thinking. … I'm definitely able to get them where they want to go."

Knowing that Washington was enthusiastic about a return to the bench just a few years ago suggests he may be willing to leave Atlanta for the right opportunity. While the San Francisco Giants job is now taken, the Padres and Guardians remain. Houston will be the most attractive opening of the bunch, and Washington should be on their short list.

A blockbuster Braves-Rays trade idea

While starting pitching and the bullpen are the Braves primary areas for improvement this offseason, you can safely add corner outfield to that list as well. Eddie Rosario only ha a club option for 2024 left on his deal, while Kevin Pillar's future is up in the air as well. Could Alex Anthopoulos search for a more permanent solution?

Sports Illustrated's Lindsay Crosby recently floated Randy Arozarena as a possibility. It should be noted that there is little chatter stating the Rays would be willing to trade their star outfielder, but if they were, the timing makes sense. Randy is about to enter arbitration, and the Rays are a small-market team. If another team -- say Atlanta -- were willing to fork over some of their top young players and foot the bill for Arozarena's arbitration years, what's not to love?

"All told, Tampa Bay has sixteen players eligible for arbitration this winter, and going off of theMLB Trade Rumors arbitration projections, retaining all 16 of them would cost over $45M," Crosby wrote. "Tampa Bay's total salary last year was $79M, but their projected payroll would break $130M with all of those players being retained."

It's a bit out there, but if the Rays are in the business of saving money and remaining competitive this offseason, trading one of Arozarena or even Tyler Glasnow makes some sense.