The Atlanta Braves are rebuilding. With John Hart now in place as the president of operations for the Braves, the team is reshaping its roster for worse or for better. The team has been getting mixed reactions from the fanbase regarding recent transactions and it looks like things are only going to get worse as a number of players are on the trade blocks heading into the winter meetings. With Jason Heyward and Jordan Walden officially gone, the next could be Justin Upton or Evan Gattis.
The Braves officially found their replacement for Heyward after the outfielder was traded earlier in November. The team has officially announced the signing of former Baltimore Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis who comes in earning a four-year, $44 million deal. The Orioles declined the $17.5 million option and simply paid him the $2 million buyout to make him a free agent. Markakis has some good history under his belt, especially in the last few seasons. He hit .276 last season with 14 home runs and 50 RBI while winning a Gold Glove Award. The Braves plan to immediately insert him into right field.
The Markakis signing comes after acquiring Shelby Miller in the Heyward trade and before a possible deal for Gattis, Upton or both. According to MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal, the Braves attempted to deal Gattis to the Houston Astros and wanted the team to take BJ Upton as well. That deal fell through, but CBSSports.com is reporting Gattis is still on the market as well as both Upton brothers.
Justin Upton is likely the best trade asset the team has. He is entering the final year of his contract and is owed $14.5 million while getting a lot of interest from other teams. Could Upton earn the Braves another star pitcher to help replace Kris Medlen and Brandon Beachy? The Braves eliminated themselves from the Jon Lester discussions, but could try and acquire someone by dangling Upton.
BJ Upton is likely remaining on the roster for the foreseeable future. The outfielder currently has three years and $46 million remaining on his contract while batting a disappointing .198 over the past two seasons. The Braves will not be able to get rid of him if they tried.
With a number of roster holes to fill, what moves can the Braves target with these types of trades? According to Bleacher Report, the Braves could deal Justin Upton for Taijuan Walker who is with the Seattle Mariners. Atlanta declined tenders on Medlen and Beachy and will likely lose Aaron Harang and Ervin Santana to free agency. Braves' fans are in for a long offseason as this is just the beginning.
