The trade rumors continue for the Atlanta Braves as many teams believe the franchise is rebuilding is shopping every player on the pay roll. That appears to be true as the Braves continue to engage in talks for several different trade deals with the MLB offseason in full swing. As interest heats up around Shelby Miller, who is the latest team that could eye a deal this winter?
According to Robert Murray of BaseballEssential.com, sources are reporting that the Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers have engaged in talks about swapping Miller for Joc Pederson this offseason. Sources say it is unclear just how far the discussions have been taken as the deal would have to include more than just the two players mentioned, but it does make sense for both sides if it were to be complete.
The Dodgers are at risk of losing Zack Greinke after the starting pitcher opted out of his option in order to cash in as a free agent. The Dodgers might get out-bid for the ace which means they have a spot to fill in the rotation. Miller is the top target right now after his success in Atlanta this season. According to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com, over 20 teams have checked in on the price tag for Miller knowing the Braves will not sell for cheap. Would Pederson be enough to get the Dodgers the trade?
Pederson fits the description of the type of player Atlanta is looking for. The 23-year-old is considered one of the best young prospects in the league as he hit .210 on the season with 26 home runs. As a centerfielder he could easily fill the hole left from the Cameron Maybin trade while giving the Braves a young player to build on for the future.
The Braves are trying to avoid aging players with inflated contracts which makes someone like Pederson a worthy target. However, while the Braves do not appear to be spenders this offseason, could they make a move on one of the hottest names on the free agent market? According to MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal, the Braves plan on being in the mix for Ben Zobrist despite the expectation that he will cost a bit of money. According to Rosenthal, the interest in Zobrist comes because the Braves need veteran players to help the youth they expect to be starting in 2017.
There is no doubt that the Braves could use Zobrist. At this point after dealing away Andrelton Simmons, the team needs infield help and Zobrist is the best utility man available right now. He is highly versatile with a solid bat to his name. The issue is that he is that he is 35 and will be looking for a three-to-four-year contract in the offseason. This could simply be the Braves trying to convince fans they really are trying to be competitive. The BRaves have also been linked to trade deals involving Starlin Castro and Javier Baez, so the team has options at the position.
