The Daily Chop: Rotation options, rankings and more

The Atlanta Braves signed veteran left-hander Cole Hamels earlier this offseason but may be forced to look at trade options if they want to further bolster their starting rotation for next season. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand put together a list of intriguing pitchers that could be available including Diamondbacks’ lefty Robbie Ray, Detroit’s Matthew Boyd and a buy low candidate in Pittsburgh’s Chris Archer.

More Braves News

ESPN’s Bradford Doolittle has a “way too early” list of where each team’s starting rotation ranks at this point in the offseason. The Braves slot in at No. 14 which trails the Phillies (12), Mets (3) and Nationals (1).

The Athletic’s Eno Sarris lists the best pitches, swings and bat flips of the year including an appearance by Atlanta’s Ronald Acuña Jr.

Hot Stove

Veteran catcher Francisco Cervelli is headed to Miami on a one-year, $2 million deal according to a report by MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro. Cervelli split 2019 between Pittsburgh and Atlanta slashing .213/.302/.348 in 48 games.

Former Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Cesar Hernandez agreed to a one-year, $6.25 million deal with the Cleveland Indians.

Reliever Pierce Johnson has agreed to a two-year deal with the San Diego Padres according to a report by ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Johnson’s deal will pay him a guaranteed $5 million and contains a team option for a third season.