Going into the trade deadline, it’s probably fair to venture that most of us were bracing ourselves for a devastating prospect trade. Ever since the Braves’ teardown that began after the 2014 season, the prospects acquired through savvy trades and high draft picks have become more than just players. Coming into 2018, watching them and projecting them as the organization’s future was often more fun than watching the big league product. Many of us have grown attached to certain players for a multitude of reasons.
When news of the Kevin Gausman trade leaked out just before the 4pm ET deadline on 7/31, we collectively held our breath and awaited the news of the return.