Like every other Braves fan, I was thrilled when John Hart unloaded Melvin Jr. in the Craig Kimbrel deal with the Padres. But in retrospect I’d much rather have the prospects San Diego received for than the salary relief, especially since the money saved mostly went into Liberty Media’s pockets and stayed there.
Yes, the Braves did get Matt Wisler but he’s probably never going to be more than a solid third starter.
Consider what the Pads got for Kimbrel this winter: Four prospects, including CF Manuel Margot, ranked among the Top 50 prospects in baseball, and SS Javy Guerra, a top-notch defender who hit 15 HR last year in Double-A ball.