The Atlanta Braves have made another move to strengthen their roster, acquiring left-handed reliever Brent Suter from the Los Angeles Angels. The trade was first reported by ESPN‘s Jeff Passan.
Suter, a 33-year-old lefty, brings a deceptive profile to Atlanta’s bullpen. His extension is in the 99th percentile, which means his stuff—an 89-mph sinker, a 76-mph changeup, an 88-mph four-seamer and an 80-mph slider—plays up significantly. He posts decent walk rates, barrel percentages and ground ball rates, making him a solid addition to the relief corps.
Suter should also benefit from a change of scenery. The Angels have one of the worst defenses in baseball, with a collective Outs Above Average of minus-22. Now he will pitch in front of an above-average Braves defense that has recorded 10 OAA so far this season. That improvement behind him could help Suter become even more effective going forward.
In exchange, the Braves sent infielder Nacho Alvarez Jr. to Los Angeles. The trade continues a busy stretch for Atlanta, which has already fortified its outfield with Lane Thomas and added starter Tyler Mahle to the rotation. Suter now gives the bullpen another left-handed option.