Braves rumors: Is a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers looming?

The Milwaukee Brewers teardown is underway. The departure of Craig Counsell is the first of many expected moves by Brewers management this offseason to cut payroll and expedite a rebuild of sorts. Corbin Burnes and Freddy Peralta are two pitchers who could be moved, even though both have at least another year left on their contracts.

Burnes is the more notable player here. He was heated after going to arbitration with Milwaukee last spring.

"There's no denying that the relationship was definitely hurt from what (transpired) over the last couple weeks. There's really no way to get around that," Burnes said at the time. "When some of the things that are said … they basically put me in the forefront of the reason why we didn't make the postseason last year. That's something that probably didn't need to be said."

Burnes will go through that again early in 2024, and likely become a free agent after the season. A long-term deal in Milwaukee would be considered a surprise. Peralta, meanwhile, has three years left on his deal, but his value will never be higher. At his best, Peralta could be a No. 2 starter with room to improve.

The Braves need pitching. Despite the return of Charlie Morton, Max Fried will be a free agent after next season and Kyle Wright is out for all of 2024. Bryce Elder fell off a cliff at the end of last year. SportsTalk ATL floated some names in potential trades for Peralta and Burnes, notably Elder, Vaughn Grissom, A.J. Smith-Shawver and even Dylan Dodd.

If Atlanta wants to improve its rotation in a big way this offseason, maybe they should take a look in Milwaukee's direction.

Braves Rumors: Atlanta makes surprise waiver claim

The Braves claimed Penn Murphy off waivers from the rival New York Mets on Tuesday. Murphy will be injured to start the 2024 season, but should be available out of the bullpen by mid-summer. At his best, Murphy is a solid middle relief arm, and we know how much Alex Anthopoulos has prioritized improving the Braves bullpen.

Murphy was drafted in the 33rd round by the Seattle Mariners in 2018, but since has been a positive surprise, pitching to a 2.70 ERA in 80 relief appearances. Clearly, he has what it takes to be successful against major-league hitters at a consistent rate. The Braves already extended Pierce Johnson and Joe Jimenez this offseason. Now, you can add Murphy to the list if/when he's back and healthy.

In claiming Murphy, Atlanta placed starting pitcher Yonny Chirinos on waivers. Chirinos was a dark horse for the No. 5 spot in the Braves rotation at times last season, but failed to deliver at the MLB level. Chirinos went 1-1 with a 9.27 ERA in five starts with the Braves in 2023.

Despite Atlanta's starting pitching concerns, there's at least 10 starters who likely ranked above Chirinos on the Braves organizational depth chart. There wasn't a spot for him on the 40-man roster, which is why he was let go in favor of Murphy.

Braves Rumors: Everything Chipper Jones said about Ron Washington

While Ron Washington is no longer in Atlanta, his impact on the Braves will be felt for seasons to come. Washington played a major role in building a culture of winning in the ATL as one of Brian Snitker's most trusted assistants. Washington earned his next opportunity with the Angels, no doubt, but that doesn't mean Braves fans won't miss him on the third-base line in 2024.

FanSided's John Buhler spoke with Chipper Jones this week about what the loss of Washington means to this ball-club. Chipper agreed that Washington is irreplaceable.

"1000 percent. You could say that the entire Braves staff is one of the hardest working staffs I've ever been around, been a part of, but they are. The ringleader is Wash. He leaves no stone unturned. He is tedious. He is there every day. He is on those infielders every single day. He wants to have the best defensive ballclub, especially from an infield standpoint in Major League Baseball. And he sets a tremendous example."

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When Washington initially took the Angels job, I floated Chipper as a potential replacement, were he interested. Chipper has a similar work ethic to Washington and has coached with the Braves in spring training. However, it's more likely the Braves go with a lesser name, like Willie Harris or Tom Goodwin.

Either candidate will have massive shoes to fill.