Atlanta Braves team president John Hart has the bigger picture in mind, it is just unclear exactly what that bigger picture is. The team clearly intends on being sellers this offseason in order to rid themselves of some crippling contracts and rebuild their roster for the long-term. However, that has come at the price of some of the franchise's most familiar faces and things are only going to continue as several players sit at the center of the MLB trade rumor circuit.
The Braves have already said goodbye to franchise-favorite Jason Heyward. He was sent to the St. Louis Cardinals in favor of Nick Markakis and his slightly more favorable contract. Kris Medlen and Brandon Beachy are being cut loose after both pitchers suffered two straight years of Tommy John surgery. While both pitchers are certainly very talented, it is unclear what their futures hold after back-to-back surgeries. With the Winter Meetings underway, the trading only continues for the Braves as some of their best players from the 2014 season are on the blocks.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports, Justin Upton is the next player available for the Atlanta Braves. The outfielder is heading in to the final year of his contract and Nightengale is reporting that the Braves would rather trade him while his value is still very high rather than attempt to re-sign him in free agency when he will command more money. MLB sources are saying that the Braves have had preliminary discussions with the San Francisco Giants regarding a trade for the outfielder along with third baseman Chris Johnson.
The need a replacement for Pablo Sandoval who departed in free agency and Johnson would fit the mold. Upton has the defensive abilities and bat to make a difference alongside Buster Posey and Hunter Pence. The Giants did not land Jon Lester in free agency, which frees them up to make other moves after not laying down $150 million for a pitcher.
This trade comes after the Braves discussed a BJ Upton, Evan Gattis deal with several teams. BJ is getting very little attention on the trade market thanks to his contract and poor stats while Gattis have the attention of several teams. Atlanta continues to try and package the two players together which is not working out well. According to manager Fredi Gonzalez, if no deal is done, Gattis will start at the catcher position while BJ will stay in centerfield. The Braves also have the option of moving Gattis to the outfield should Justin be dealt and starting Christian Bethancourt at the catcher spot. According to AtlantaBraves.com, the team has their limits in terms of deals for Gattis and Justin Upton and will only make a move at the right price.
At this point, the only players safe from being dealt are Freddie Freeman and Andrelton Simmons and even that is doubtful. The team just agreed to terms with Alberto Callaspo and still need to make moves in the pitching rotation and infield. The long offseason continues for Atlanta.
