8 trade targets from the Atlanta Braves for the Colorado Rockies

Atlanta Braves reliever Tyler Matzek could reunite with the Colorado Rockies

Tyler Matzek was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the first round (11th overall pick) all the way back in 2009. 14 picks later, the Los Angeles Angels drafted Mike Trout. Not the best draft for the Rockies. But now, Matzek is a very good reliever for the Atlanta Braves.

For the Rockies, Matzek appeared in parts of two seasons in the majors in 2014 and 2015 before he was out of baseball since he was injured and then had the “yips.” In total, he combined to pitch in 139 2/3 innings with a 4.06 ERA (107 ERA+) for the Rockies in the majors.

After bouncing around to a few teams both professionally and independently, Matzek latched on with the Braves late in the 2019 season.

He made his return to the majors in 2020 and he was great for the Braves, as he pitched in 21 games and had a 2.79 ERA. His FIP suggests that he still had some bad luck as his FIP was nearly a full run lower than his ERA at 1.92. He had a 1.138 WHIP and he walked 3.1 and struck out 13.3 batters per nine innings. In seven postseason games in 2020, he had a great 1.04 ERA.

In 2021, he continued that success as Matzek had an ERA of 2.57 in 69 regular season appearances. He had a 3.20 FIP, a 1.222 WHIP, and he struck out 11 batters per nine innings. The only area of concern was his high walk rate of 5.3 BB/9. That was part of his issue with the Rockies as well.

He is arbitration-eligible for the first time this offseason and slated to make around $1.5 million it.

Considering his success, the Braves are unlikely to trade him but especially with relievers, they always could be on the move.

Next in our trade target series for the Colorado Rockies will be the Miami Marlins as we continue through the National League East.