:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46826754/usa-today-8710930.0.jpg)
Just before the start of their St. Louis Cardinals, news began to break that the Braves were deep in trade talks with the New York Mets regarding 3B Juan Uribe and veteran utilityman Kelly Johnson. While the new that FIRST broke was that the Braves had gotten Rafael Montero (which would have been a big coup for the Braves), it became more apparent that the Braves had acquired RHP John Gant and RHP Rob Whalen. Lets take a look at the new prospects so we can get of what to expect from them at this point
John Gant
Gant was born in Savannah, GA in August of 1992. The 6'3" right hander was a 21st round pick in the 2011 draft, and has moved slowly through the Mets system since. His last 3 seasons have been his most successful, and he has put up ERAs of 2.89, 2.56, and 3.52 while advancing over 4 levels. He has a career K rate of 8.5 per 9 innings pitched, and has walked just 3.1 batters per 9. He throws about 50% ground balls, and while he doesn't have great stuff he has played well in the minors and could have a career as a middle reliever in the majors
Rob Whalen
Whalen was the main buy in this deal, as the 21 year old righty is the 18th ranked prospect in the Mets system according to MLB Pipeline. He has had a nice minor league career, advancing a level a year since being drafted in 2012 and posting a 2.43 ERA along the way. He has a typical starter frame, standing at 6'2" 200lbs, and has a competitive mentality that should serve him well. His fastball is average, but he has a plus curveball and a developing changeup that could be a good future option. He controls his pitches well and gets a high ground ball rate with the sink on his fastball. His two pitch mix would make him a legit reliever, though there is no reason at all to give up on him as a starter.
Roster Spots?
With the trade of Uribe and Kelly Johnson, two roster spots are now available on the Braves. While some were surely hoping that the Braves were going to move on promoting Jose Peraza, it appears as though infielder Daniel Castro and 3B Adonis Garcia will get the call as they were pulled from the AAA Gwinnett game shortly after news of the trade broke.