Analyzing the Braves’ Latest Trade: Unveiling the Potential of Lefty Ray Kerr

Last Friday, Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos made another peculiar trade, this time with the Padres. Padres left-handed pitcher Ray Kerr was traded to the Atlanta Braves, along with infielder Matt Carpenter and cash considerations, in exchange for minor-league outfielder Drew Campbell.

According to Braves beat writer Mark Bowman, this trade was about acquiring the 29-year-old Kerr, who has options left and is controllable. AA likes to acquire players who are controllable for many years. To acquire Kerr, the Braves had to take on $4 million of Carpenter’s salary and $4.5 million of his Competitive Balance Tax hit.

However, like Gonzales and Stassi, Carpenter will not be with the Braves in 2024. He was already released earlier this week.

Ray Kerr’s Pitching Puzzle

Ray Kerr was optioned to El Paso at the start of the 2023 season, where he compiled a 2.25 ERA and 42 strikeouts in 36 innings. He was recalled to the majors several times and appeared in 22 games as a reliever for the Padres, posting a 4.33 ERA and 35 strikeouts in 27 innings.

The 4.33 ERA is nothing to write home about. Digging into Kerr’s splits shows a glimmer of why AA traded for him. Left-handed hitters batted .161 with a 0.89 WHIP versus Kerr last year. His career numbers further demonstrate effectiveness against left-handed hitters, limiting them to a .506 OPS. His overall 11.67 K/9 and 30.7 K% is very similar to Braves lefty AJ Minter’s strikeout rate, albeit a small sample size.

Kerr features an impressive fastball that averaged 96 mph last season. Notably, his fastball boasts unique horizontal movement compared to standard four-seamers. Adding to his arsenal, he wields a curveball with a spin yielding over 42.9 inches of drop and a distinctive two-plane break.

In general, this trade aligns with the usual approach of Alex Anthopoulos, who seeks out underperforming players in challenging situations, aiming to unlock their potential for sustained, cost-effective productivity.

Kerr is expected to compete for a roster spot in the Braves’ bullpen to go along with lefties Bummer, Matzek, Minter, and Lee in Spring training next season. If not, Kerr has an option left remaining.