The Houston Astros have acquired catcher/outfielder Evan Gattis from the Atlanta Braves according to David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Gattis swatted 22 home runs despite playing only 93 games last season, and can absolutely mash. In his career against the Mets, Gattis batted .236 with 3 homers and 6 RBI in 21 games.
In return, the Braves receive pitching prospects Michael Foltynewicz and Andrew Thurman as well as third base prospect Rio Ruiz. The 20 year old Ruiz highlights the group with his solid .293/.387/.436 slash line in High A-Ball last year. Scouts predict that his current doubles power will progress into 20-25 home runs a year at the major league level. Coupled with his reputation in the Braves organization as a solid defender, Ruiz could turn out to be quite a nice player.
It looks like the rebuild is in full swing in Atlanta, meaning that the NL East is looking like a three horse race going into the new season. The Mets and Marlins will look to dethrone the Nationals, who have won the division three straight seasons. Without a competitive Braves squad in 2015, the Mets have it just a little easier on their quest back to the playoffs.
