A late-night deal was struck between the Braves and Astros. Will Smith, a reliever, was sent to Houston in exchange for Jake Odorizzi, who was acquired by Atlanta.
A late-night shocker took place in the MLB Verse the night before the MLB trade deadline. A unique 1-for-1 MLB player trade was agreed to by the Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves.
This transaction is even more fascinating to grade because both the Astros and the Braves are contenders for the postseason and the World Series. However, let’s examine the exchange that was made in order for this grade to be given.
So the Braves traded Will Smith, a late-inning LHP reliever, for RHP Jake Odorizzi. In terms of depth, this is a great swap for both teams. While the Braves had a sizable number of late-inning relievers, the Astros possessed an overwhelming number of starting pitchers of MLB caliber.
MLB Trade Grades: Houston Astros – B
With this trade, the Astros easily earn an A+. To fill a critical gap on their roster, they made a deal from a position of strength. The Astros would have had 7 starting pitchers on the roster with Lance McCullers Jr. ready to return from the IL.
They lacked a trustworthy left-handed reliever in the bullpen, let alone someone who could win games if necessary. The previous year, as the team’s closer, Will Smith helped the Braves win the World Series (against the Astros). He has started 177 games in his career and recorded 91 saves.
Smith has struck out 41 batters in 37 innings this season. He has struck out a lot of hitters, but I believe the Astros pitching staff can correct that. They were in dire need of a trustworthy lefty reliever for the late innings. One of the best in MLB was acquired by the Houston Astros. It was also a name that nobody even imagined was available.
The Astros have just signed several quality players to their squad, including 32-year-old Will Smith. quite much. Simply said, Smith isn’t what he used to be, which is the only reason this grade isn’t better.
Houston might be able to resurrect him, though.
MLB Trade Grades: Atlanta Braves – B+
The Braves also receive an A for using their strengths to support a weaker area. Who can predict when Mike Soroka will return? Spencer Strider is getting close to pitching a sizable chunk of innings he hasn’t done previously. Charlie Morton and Ian Anderson have just been “good.”
The squad wanted a consistent starter who could start every game. They also possessed an abundance of solid left-handers out of the bullpen, including the aforementioned Will Smith, Tyler Matzek, and AJ Minter. That is why they were able to trade for Will Smith.
Odorizzi is a starting pitcher with playoff experience who can pitch critical innings late in the game to protect the bullpen. In 12 starts this season, he has a 3.75 ERA and a great track record of avoiding hard contact. For a playoff team, he’s a fantastic No. 3 or No. 4 starter.
With Kenley Jansen firmly established as the closer, this team benefits the Braves significantly more than Will Smith could. The Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves both benefited greatly from this transaction.
