The Braves’ Kevin Gausman Mistake: What Went Wrong?
▼ Summary
– Kevin Gausman was traded to the Braves in 2018 and performed well initially with a 2.87 ERA in 10 starts.
– Gausman’s struggles were partly due to becoming a two-pitch pitcher with reduced movement on his better pitch.
– After joining the Reds and later the Giants, he fixed his splitter and improved his performance.
The Atlanta Braves’ decision to part ways with Kevin Gausman stands as a puzzling chapter in the team’s recent history, one that saw a promising acquisition quickly unravel. Brought over from the Baltimore Orioles alongside Darren O’Day during the 2018 trade deadline, Gausman initially impressed. Over ten starts to finish that season, he delivered a solid performance, posting a 2.87 ERA that suggested a bright future in Atlanta.
Unfortunately, the 2019 campaign proved disastrous for the right-hander. His season began on the injured list due to right shoulder inflammation, setting a negative tone from the outset. In May, he received a suspension for intentionally throwing at Jose Urena, further disrupting his rhythm. On the mound, his performance plummeted to a shocking 6.19 ERA, which was nearly two full runs higher than his Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) metric. A significant factor in this decline was his transformation into essentially a two-pitch pitcher. His primary offering, the splitter, lost its signature movement and began staying up in the strike zone, making it far less effective. Additional struggles, including a stint on the IL for plantar fasciitis and poor outings against the Phillies and Reds, led to his release in early August.
So, what led the Braves to make this move? The primary reason was straightforward: his performance was simply not up to standard. With his results deteriorating and his key pitch failing him, the organization explored other options. Reports indicated that the Braves proposed a move to the bullpen, a suggestion Gausman reportedly declined. The timing of his departure was also influenced by the team’s signing of veteran starter Dallas Keuchel, which occurred around the time of Gausman’s second IL stint. For a Braves squad that was trailing in the NL East race, he became a dispensable asset. The irony, of course, is that Gausman quickly revived his career after leaving Atlanta. He joined the Cincinnati Reds’ bullpen, fixed the mechanics on his splitter, and later flourished with the San Francisco Giants. While the Braves’ reasoning was understandable given the circumstances, it remains a fascinating “what if” scenario, leaving fans to wonder how things might have unfolded had they managed to retain him.
(Source: Battery Power)