Mike Foltynewicz to Braves: Latest Trade Details, Scouting Report and Reaction

In an effort to continue the rebuilding process, the Atlanta Braves added a handful of future assets Wednesday, dealing slugger Evan Gattis to the Houston Astros in exchange for three minor league prospects. 

The Astros' official Twitter feed provided details of the trade:

Mike Foltynewicz, a 23-year-old hard-throwing righty, is the centerpiece of the incoming package for Atlanta. Drafted No. 19 overall out of high school in the 2010 draft, Foltynewicz entered the 2014 season as Baseball America's No. 59 prospect (h/t Baseball-Reference.com). Prior to this upcoming season, he was rated No. 3 in the Astros' organization. 

What immediately stands out is the 6'4" youngster's electric fastball. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's David O'Brien and Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal touched more on that:

Of course, unless your name is Rick Vaughn, becoming an effective pitcher in the majors is typically about more than just a fastball. Foltynewicz talked about the importance of becoming a more complete pitcher back in March, via the Houston Chronicle's Evan Drellich:

"

The last couple years I’ve been just trying to huck the ball by people. Sometimes I just wanted to rear back and throw it by people. I realize—everyone in baseball right now can hit a fastball. Don’t matter how hard, don’t matter where location is.

"

Foltynewicz experienced the hardships of evolving as a pitcher in 2014. In 21 appearances (18 starts) at Triple-A Oklahoma City, he went 7-7 with a 5.08 ERA and 1.46 WHIP. Things didn't go any better in the majors either, as he got the call-up in August and finished with a 5.30 ERA, 1.61 WHIP and 14 strikeouts in 18.2 relief innings.

His upside clear. “This kid might be special," Astros pitching coach Brent Strom once said, via Drellich. "Very very special."

And even if he doesn't pan out as a starter—at 23, there's still plenty of time—his ability to reach triple digits on the radar gun makes him a potential weapon in late-inning, high-leverage situations.