Changes are coming for the Atlanta Braves franchise. With John Hart now the new president of team operations, he is cleaning up the roster as best he can without giving up draft picks, prospects or outrageous amounts of money in new contracts. Some of these changes are wanted while others are not pleasing to the fanbase, but Hart stresses that is what happens in rebuilding. With big names like Jason Heyward gone and Nick Markakis in, what is the next move the Braves make?
Evan Gattis is the next up for Atlanta. Right now, if he returns, the catcher will move to the outfield which seems unproductive or an indication the Braves are positive they can trade him. According to MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal, the Braves have been shopping Gattis for almost the better part of a year. He reports the Braves and the Houston Astros were in talks regarding Gattis, but the deal died because Atlanta was forcing BJ Upton as a trade piece as well. The Astros had no interest in adding $39 million to the payroll and the trade went unfinished.
Hart continues to sing his praises regarding Gattis, stressing he is not going to be traded. However, the Braves are desperate to get rid of Upton's inflated deal considering his struggling stats and pairing him with Gattis could be the only way a team shows interest.
The Oakland Athletics could be looking the Braves way as well for a deal regarding Justin Upton and Gattis with pitcher Jeff Samardzija being the intended target. John Hickey of the Bay Area News Group reports that the Braves and A's have had talks regarding this trade package. The Braves are in desperate need of pitching. Kris Medlen and Brandon Beachy are out while Ervin Santana and Aaron Harang will depart in free agency. Samardzija will be a good get for the team if they can put together the right deal.
The Braves did bring on Shelby Miller to help with the pitching rotation. He is expected to be inserted in as a starter. Markakis will also take over for Heyward in the outfield. Atlanta is far from being done in terms of offseason moves as they aim to get young pitching while dumping off unwanted contracts. Remember, Dan Uggla is still getting a pay check from the franchise.