VIDEO: MLB Network Analyst Boldly Predicts Braves Will Get Madison Bumgarner at Deadline Too

The Atlanta Braves recently announced that they have signed former Cy Young Award winner Dallas Keuchel to a one-year deal worth approximately $20 million, or a prorated $13 million. MLB Network Analyst Mark DeRosa predicts that this is just the beginning for the Braves. He believes that GM Alex Anthopoulos and co. will make a play for four-time All-Star Madison Bumgarner once the trade deadline approaches.

It is no secret that Bumgarner could be in the midst of his final season in a Giants uniform, and with the trade deadline less than eight weeks away, rumors are beginning to heat up. The three-time World Series Champion gave San Francisco a list of several organizations that he would not welcome a trade to, and the Atlanta Braves were among the named clubs.

That list, however, is purely so that Bumgarner can be in control of his destination. In all likelihood, he would happily accept a deal to Atlanta, as well as a number of contenders. And DeRosa thinks that the Braves would be a perfect fit.

Will this dissuade Atlanta from trying their luck anyway? Not at all.

The team is dealing with starting pitching questions, and even the addition of Keuchel doesn't put an end to the uncertainty of some of their arms. Sure, they have a vault of young pitching talent waiting in the minors, but for a contending team, experienced hurlers are worth their weight in gold.

Latest reports indicate that the Phillies, Yankees and Braves will all be in on MadBum, and DeRosa thinks that Atlanta holds the edge over the competition.

Bumgarner is currently sporting a 3-5 record with a 4.05 ERA and 79 strikeouts in 13 starts for the Giants this season. He is letting up runs at a career-high rate, and a change of scenery might be just what this former star pitcher needs to reestablish himself in the upper echelon of MLB starting pitchers.