From Bowman

With the team losing a Draft pick with the Will Smith signing, do you think that will keep them from signing a guy like Zack Wheeler or Madison Bumgarner?
— @Koos_C

With the signing of Smith, the Braves lost their second-highest Draft pick and $500,000 from their international bonus pool. Signing a second player who rejected a qualifying offer would lead them to also lose their third-highest pick and $500,000.

Even before Smith signed, it was starting to feel like Wheeler would not end up with the Braves. Given the Draft pick cost, the likelihood of Atlanta signing Bumgarner has certainly decreased.

There’s always a chance the Braves could opt to trade for a starting pitcher. But instead of targeting a front-line guy, they might simply try to add experience to their rotation by pursuing a free agent like Wade Miley or Rick Porcello. Like Miley with the Brewers in 2017, Porcello might benefit from a move to the National League.

“ I know a lot of people is not a big fan of Bowman.”