The Atlanta Braves trade rumors continue as the team pushes their rebuilding efforts. According to general manager John Coppolellla, the Braves will not contend until 2017 which means just about everyone is available at the right price. With the goal to get young players on affordable contracts, the Braves are dealing with the offseason kicking off. While Freddie Freeman might not be available, everyone else is.
According to TheScore.com, the Braves and Arizona Diamondbacks discussed a trade for Shelby Miller who was acquired last season in the trade of Jason Heyward. Miller went 24 straight starts without a win last year despite putting up a 2.38 ERA. The pitcher was clearly frustrated with the direction of the Braves last season so a trade would likely be welcomed on his part. For now, the talks fizzled out, but according to Buster Olney or ESPN, at least three other teams have expressed interest since the reports surfaced.
Miller could be on the move while Julio Teheran is another pitcher the deals might try and send away this offseason. MLB.com's Mark Bowman writes that the Braves are aiming for young arms in order to rebuild their farm league with top prospects. That was the goal with the Andrelton Simmons trade while it could also be what sends Teheran away. The pitcher did not have a good season last year which could drive away interest in a deal, but expect the Braves to continue to inquire about one.
According to Coppolella, one player that is not available is Freeman. The Braves were faced with trade rumors around the first baseman earlier in the week as they continue to dump all of the big names off the roster. The general manager made it clear that is not happening.
"I cannot make it any more clear: We are not trading Freddie Freeman," Coppolella said, via USA Today. "We are not. I'd give my right arm before we trade Freddie Freeman. It is not happening."
Manager Fredi Gonzalez echoed that feeling when he said he expected Freeman to be on the roster next season. The issue is that Braves fans have heard this all before. The Braves said the same thing before they dealt away Craig Kimbrel and Simmons. At this point, most expect everyone to be gone between now and 2017. Cameron Maybin, Nick Swisher and Michael Bourn are also available as the Braves potentially move players like Hector Olivera into the outfield.
Atlanta fans must brace themselves. Deals for Miller and Teheran could be on the horizon while Maybin has enough value in the league to get a good return as well. Swisher and Bourn do not.
