Atlanta Braves Trade Rumors: Could Derek Lowe Be on the Move?

Ever since Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Derek Lowe's name first came up in trade discussions some two years ago, I've been an outspoken proponent of keeping the 38-year-old right-hander.

But with the trade deadline looming and Lowe's name once again out on the market, I've reevaluated my stance and think moving Lowe may be a good thing for the Braves. I'm not sure that the organization can count on Lowe to go 5-0 in the last month of the season again, plus he's already made some costly personal decisions that have somewhat tarnished the Braves' reputation league-wide.

That being said, this slideshow will examine the top three reasons why a Lowe trade would enhance our ballclub.

A Move Would Free Up Salary Space

In the past, the Braves have had some difficulty moving Derek Lowe because of his large salary. Although he is still owed a large sum of money, it's not nearly as high as it's been in years past. This means that acquiring Lowe isn't entirely out of the question for many contenders looking to bolster their starting five.

The Braves owe Lowe about $6 million for the remainder of this season and $15 million next season, Lowe's last year under contract. Although the team's need for a big bat may have lessened thanks in part to Jason Heyward and Dan Uggla rediscovering their swings, the Braves could use the salary space to acquire a better fit in the outfield.

Lowe's Record

Yes, Derek Lowe had one of the best second halves among starting pitchers in all of baseball last season, but can the Braves count on Lowe to post similar numbers again this season?

Currently, Lowe is 6-8 with a 4.49 ERA through 22 starts with the Braves this season. At this time last season, as Lowe began to fine-tune his pitches and become one of the Braves' best starters—he was 10-9 with a 4.66 ERA. Although his numbers from this season and last are similar in many ways, I'm just not sure if the Braves can expect Lowe to buckle down and go 5-0 with a 1.17 ERA in September again.

His Replacement

Braves general manager Frank Wren said he didn't want to force top prospect Julio Teheran into the big leagues before he was ready, but after glancing at Teheran's numbers at Triple-A Gwinnett, I'd say he's ready.

Currently, Teheran is 10-1 with a 1.68 ERA in 17 starts with Gwinnett this season. He's struck out 89 batters in 101.2 innings pitched, which equates to roughly eight strikeouts per nine innings pitched, and he's only given up two home runs on the year.

Plus, if Wren wanted to keep Teheran in the minors until September call-ups, the Braves can call up lefty Mike Minor, assuming he isn't wearing a New York Mets uniform. Minor is 3-4 at Gwinnett and showed the Braves front office that he is capable pitching down the stretch last season when they called on him to start numerous games late in the season.

Initially, I didn't like the idea of trading Derek Lowe midseason, but you must admit: If the Braves do decide to pull the trigger on the aging right-hander, now would be the time.