Sun, Jul 29, 2018 at 5:07pm

BRAVES BRING IN BRACH FROM BALTIMORE

The Atlanta Braves acquired pitcher Brad Brach from the Baltimore Orioles for international bonus pool money in 2018-19.

What does it give the Atlanta Braves
Atlanta is still well in the thick of the National League playoff hunt, and the team is obviously hoping Brach's veteran presence can bolster its bullpen. While he is not a dominant closer, Brach has proven over the past two seasons he can handle that role capably if needed (and at the very least be dependable in setup situations). He is a solid backup plan if current closer A.J. Minter falters.

What does it give the Baltimore Orioles
Baltimore is in full sell-off mode heading up to the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline. On the heels of jettisoning Manny Machado (to the Dodgers) and Zach Britton (to the Yankees), Brach becomes the latest key veteran to be sent packing. The $250,000 in international signing bonus pool money gives Baltimore greater spending power to sign some of the top international prospects available this year.

Fantasy impact
Mychal Givens should get the first and most chances to close for the Orioles now that both Brach and Britton are gone. Then again, he is not exactly enjoying a lights-out season so far, so keep an eye on the entire Baltimore bullpen the rest of the way. As for Brach, he might be worth a speculative add in case he winds up in the Braves' closer mix down the stretch--but only in the deepest of single-season fantasy leagues. That said, there are likely better closer candidates than Brach on the free-agent wire in most leagues.