The Atlanta Braves are coming off one of their worst seasons in recent history as the team continues to rebuild the roster. With a number of their big-named stars already long gone, the Braves are aiming to dump off at least one more this offseason. With the shortstop market thin in free agency, the Braves are reportedly aiming to take advantage of it and shop Andrelton Simmons in the offseason.
After getting edged out for a Golden Glove, Simmons now has to deal with his future being put into question. According to Jonah Keri of ESPN.com, the Braves are very willing to listen to offers for the short stop knowing they can take advantage of a weak market. Several MLB sources immediately began reporting there was a lot of interest in the star. Keri already reported that a National League West team was interested in Simmons while Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports the New York Mets have asked about a price tag.
If the Braves are truly willing to trade one of their last remaining talents, they will not be making the offer very cheap. Sherman reports the Braves would likely request a top pitcher in return which means if the Mets were really interested they would likely have to give up someone like Matt Harvey, Steven Matz Noah Syndergaard which means the deal is not happening. Signed to a contract with five years and $53 million remaining on it, Simmons is an easy deal to take on or keep on as the Braves aim for payroll flexibility.
Simmons is not the only player available for the Atlanta Braves. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, the Braves are aiming to deal away someone in their crowded outfield which includes Cameron Maybin, Nick Swisher and Michael Bourn. The Braves have been reluctant to deal away Maybin. There were offers on the outfielder during the trade deadline last season and they held tight onto the star. That might not be the case this offseason if the Braves cannot get deals for Bourn or Swisher first.
According to the AJC, Maybin is being viewed as a potential building block for the future since he is just 28. Dealing Swisher and Bourn are the preferred moves. Swisher is overpaid to the tune of four years and $56 million signed back in 2013. Bounce is entering the final year of his contract while being owed $14 million next season. However, both players have had their struggles and might not garner the interest that Maybin will.