The Daily Chop: Should the Braves shop Austin Riley?

Should the Atlanta Braves shop Austin Riley? That is the question asked by MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand as he lists a trade candidate for all 30 teams.

Riley’s future with the Braves may hinge on whether or not the team is successful in keeping Josh Donaldson in an Atlanta uniform. While Riley ended 2019 on a down note, he still slugged 18 home runs in 80 games and showed the ability to do a passable job in left field. If Atlanta is truly reluctant to include a Cristian Pache or a Drew Waters in any deal, then Riley could end up being the trade chip that moves.

MLB News

Mets General Manager Brodie Van Wagenen discussed his teams’ pitching plans this past week at the GM Meetings in Arizona. New York will have a couple of holes to fill in the rotation and may look internally to fill those. Van Wagenen also threw cold water on the thought that the team might look to deal right handed Noah Syndergaard this offseason.

MLB.com’s Mike Petriello takes a closer look at free agent Nick Castellanos who still isn’t a great defensive outfielder but is improving.

Nationals shortstop Trea Turner underwent surgery this weekend on his index finger. Turner originally suffered a fracture to his finger while trying to bunt back on April 2. That sent him to the injured list for about six weeks.

Dodgers right-handier Kenta Maeda wants to be a full time starter and has communicated that to the team’s front office. Despite his dissatisfaction, a trade seems unlikely as of now.

New Pirates GM Ben Cherington will hit the ground running in the team’s search for a new manager and may re-interview several existing candidates who interviewed prior to former GM Neil Huntington’s ouster.