The Atlanta Braves could potentially clean house this offseason. They got the ball rolling by trading Jason Heyward and opting not to keep Kris Medlen and Brandon Beachy around as they rehab their back-to-back Tommy John surgeries. So what is next for the Braves as trade rumors surround some of their top players? Manager Fredi Gonzalez spoke to the media and denied the team was simply looking to clear contract space and tank the year like many fans believe they are doing.
MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal has reported that the Braves have discussed multiple trades including deals for Justin Upton, BJ Upton, Evan Gattis and Chris Johnson. Several teams are interested in a package of players when means the Braves lose a lot of batting power and good defensive gloves. However, Gonzalez and team president John Hart say the Braves are not rushing to make any sudden trades and will only seek a deal if the return price is right.
"We want to make this a palatable ballclub for 2015," Hart said, via the team website. "We don't want to just give it up. We're playing hardcore on all of the things we're doing on all of the deals with bigger players. We're very content to keep them. But we're carrying some financial restrictions here because of bad contracts."
The Braves traded Heyward because they did not want to pay him the money in free agency. The same approach is being taken with Justin Upton who enters the final year of his deal. Atlanta is trying to be smart with their money considering they still owe players like Dan Uggla $13 million next season. That has caused short-term moves like the signing of Alberto Callaspo to a one-year deal worth just $3 million. Nick Markakis and his team-friendly contract were also acquired. Gonzalez says that right now he is happy with the makeup of the Braves roster.
"The understanding is we've got to try to win, right?" Gonzalez said. "That is the bottom line, and it doesn't matter. In our industry or in my profession, four years down the road or three years down the road, that's a long ways away, you know. ... I might be asking you guys for tickets to that [new] stadium."
Pitching is still a major issue. The Braves lose the potential of Medlen and Beachy coming back. They will also lose Ervin Santana and Aaron Harang to free agency. Could the team get active in trades for Cole Hamels or Jordan Zimmermann? It seems unlikely, but offering up Upton and Gattis might get them a strong arm to the rotation.
