The Braves made a deal with the Cubs on Friday evening, sending second baseman Tommy La Stella and international signing slot No. 4 to Chicago in exchange for pitcher Arodys Vizcaino and the Cubs’ No. 2, 3, and 4 international signing slots.
While the inclusion of the international signing slots has its own implications -- such as the pursuit of free agent Cuban infielder Yoan Moncada -- David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution adds that, with Vizcaino now in the mix in the Braves’ bullpen, the club is even likelier to trade a set-up man. Odds are on Jordan Walden or David Carpenter being shopped.
Walden put together a great 2014 campaign for the Braves, finishing with a 2.88 ERA and a 62/27 K/BB ratio over 50 innings. Carpenter was decent as well, putting up a 3.54 ERA with a 67/16 K/BB ratio in 61 innings. Walden is eligible for arbitration for the second time after earning $1.49 million this past season, while Carpenter is arbitration-eligible for the first time after taking home $532,500.