The theme of either cost-cutting or depth-bolstering moves continues with the latest Braves trade. Per an announcement from the club, Atlanta has agreed to a deal with the Los Angeles Angels to acquire Davis Daniel in exchange for Mitch Farris.
Ferris was a 14th-round pick out of the 2023 draft by the Braves and has thrown 124.2 innings since then. He’s started 21 games and appeared in nine out of the bullpen, accruing a 2.96 ERA, 30% strikeout rate and 9.7% walk rate, most of which came in High-A.
Daniel has some major league experience, but not much. In the last two years, he tossed 42.2 innings for the Angels, posting a 5.06 ERA. The Braves must’ve been encouraged by his production at the Triple-A level.
The 28-year-old made 21 starts, logging 118 innings and posting a 5.42 ERA. Now, that’s not exactly inspiring stuff, especially for someone his age at the Triple-A level, but he struck out 23.3% of batters faced and only allowed a 6.5% walk rate. Additionally, his 4.41 FIP says that his ERA was inflated by more than an entire run.
It doesn’t move the needle whatsoever, but the Braves are clearly still building out the depths of the organization. Just think back to this past season; in every facet, Atlanta saw critical pieces go down with injuries. Depth is important, and Alex Anthopoulos knows that as well as anyone.
The Braves need to bolster the outfield, rotation, and bullpen, but as the offseason progresses, fans get more and more restless. It’s understandable; however, I’d be shocked if Anthopoulos doesn’t have a couple of aces up his sleeve, including another Braves trade.