Jake Peavy could be dealt soon, and it appears that the Cardinals and Braves have emerged as the frontrunners to land the veteran right-hander.
Earlier today, it was reported that the St. Louis Cardinals were heavily pursuing a trade for Boston Red Sox' right-hander Jake Peavy. Now, it appears that the Atlanta Braves have been added to the mix to acquire the veteran starter, as reported by Peter Abraham and Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.
The Braves' rotation has been hamstrung by injuries this season, as Mike Minor started the year on the DL, Gavin Floydwas recently lost to season-ending elbow surgery, and both Brandon Beachy and Kris Medlen are recovering from Tommy John. The club's rotation has still managed to survive quite well, with the staff currently holding a 3.25 ERA that ranks fifth in the majors, and a 3.52 FIP that is fourth. Still, Atlanta could use another starter, as Minor has struggled and both Aaron Harang and Ervin Santana have pitched poorly after getting off to blistering starts.
This also isn't the first time Atlanta has attempted to add Peavy. In the offseason following the 2008 season, the Padres and Braves nearly consumnated a deal that would have sent the 2007 Cy Young award winner to Atlanta for a bundle of prospects. However, the deal fell through at the last minute. Peavy was ultimately dealt to the White Sox at the 2009 trade deadline.
The Cardinals' rotation has been dealt numerous blows in recent days, as they have seen injuries to Michael Wacha and Jaime Garcia thin out their rotation. The Cardinals also match up well with the Red Sox considering they have a number of outfielders that could be deemed expendable by the club. While the highly regarded Oscar Taveras probably isn't attainable, St. Louis could include someone such as Allen Craig, Randal Grichuk, or Stephen Piscotty. Craig and Grichuk are both not playing today, though that could very well just be coincidence.
The 33-year-old Peavy has struggled this season, posting a 4.64 ERA and 4.81 FIP in 110.2 innings after averaging a 3.3 WAR from 2011 to 2013. Both his xFIP (4.46) and K/9 (6.83) are career-worsts, while his BB/9 (3.42) is his highest since his first full season in 2003. A move back to the National League could do plenty to rejuvenate the former Cy Young winner's career.
Peavy has roughly $6.4 million remaining on his $14.5 million salary, and is scheduled to become a free agent this fall. He carries a $15 million vesting option for 2015 based on innings pitched, though it is highly unlikely that he qualifies for it (he would need to pitch roughly 145 innings over the rest of the season).