Dodgers Rumors: Pitching trade targets the Dodgers should consider

Apr 17, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Jaime Garcia (54) throws a pitch against the San Diego Padres in the sixth inning at SunTrust Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Jaime Garcia (54) throws a pitch against the San Diego Padres in the sixth inning at SunTrust Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dodgers Rumors
Dodgers Rumors – Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Jaime Garcia

After a pretty bad 2016 campaign, the Atlanta Braves are playing fairly well this season. The team has already garnered 38% of their win total from last season and are on pace to improve to 72-90. While not great by any stretch of the imagination, it should be noted that the Braves have nine more wins now than they did at this time last year, that’s some progress.

Although they are making progress they definitely are not ready to contend quite yet. Atlanta does have one of, if not the, best farm systems in all of baseball, so in just a few short years we likely will see them return to glory. One man who does not fit this rebuilding moniker is Jaime Garcia, as he only has one year left under contract.

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Despite the Braves just trading for Garcia during the offseason, they more likely than not will flip the talented left-handed pitcher. From day one this move seemed to be a gamble, the Braves hoping that his value increased and they can get a profitable return out of him.

That is exactly what has happened, as playoff contenders seem to be looking more and more at Garcia. Garcia has a 3.21 ERA through eleven starts, returning to the great form he had in 2015. While he may not be as good as he was in 2015 yet, Garcia has been a consistent performer on the mound.

Garcia has never been short of five innings, and of his eleven starts seven of which have been quality starts (Throwing six or more innings and allowing three or fewer earned runs).

Next: Way too early free agent targets for the Dodgers

Overall, Garcia is a very enticing option for the Los Angeles Dodgers. As a member of the St. Louis Cardinals Garcia has gained a lot of playoff experience, something that is extremely valuable for this Dodgers team.