As the MLB trade deadline approaches each August, teams often make critical roster moves to improve their squads. This year, the Atlanta Braves claimed pitcher Cal Quantrill off waivers, signaling a focused effort to reinforce a rotation severely impacted by injuries. The Braves, facing multiple pitching setbacks, see Quantrill as a potential key to stabilizing their struggling staff.
Cal Quantrill’s Professional Baseball Trajectory
Cal Quantrill’s major league career has experienced significant highs and lows. In the current season, he started 24 games for the Miami Marlins, posting a 5.50 ERA over nearly 110 innings, a performance below expectations. Notably, his 2023 numbers dropped compared to his previous season in Colorado, suggesting inconsistency. He debuted in 2019 with the San Diego Padres, where over two seasons he recorded a 4.79 ERA in 120 innings.
Quantrill’s best professional years occurred with the Cleveland Guardians, where he displayed strong pitching capabilities. In 2021, he achieved an ERA of just 2.89 across 149.2 innings, reflecting the promise that made him a notable first-round draft pick.
Why the Braves Are Counting on Quantrill’s Potential
Despite recent declines in performance, the Braves view Quantrill as a valuable addition amid their pitching difficulties. Injuries have sidelined several starters, creating an urgent need for dependable arms in the rotation. By taking on Quantrill’s contract, estimated to be under $1 million, the Braves gain an experienced pitcher without long-term financial commitment, as he will become a free agent after this season.
Questions Surrounding Quantrill’s Future Prospects
At 30 years old, Quantrill has a window to regain his past form, though recent statistics raise doubts. This season, he has surrendered roughly 10 hits per nine innings and struggled with home run control, while his strikeout rates have diminished. His career began when the New York Yankees showed interest in him during the 2013 draft’s 26th round, but Quantrill opted to attend Stanford, improving his draft stock to a first-round selection three years later.
As Quantrill joins the Braves, the team hopes he can rediscover the consistency and effectiveness that once marked him as a promising starter.