Atlanta Braves: Five more players who could be traded
By Aaron Somers
Aug 22, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Atlanta Braves third baseman Chris Johnson (23) makes a play during the second inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports
Chris Johnson, 3B
After coming over to the Braves in the same trade as Upton, Chris Johnson responded promptly with the single best season of his career. He appeared in a career-high 142 games, batting .321/.358/.457 with 34 doubles, 12 HR, and 68 RBI in 547 plate appearances. Johnson had shown potential early on in his career, but at 28 years of age he finally seemed to be developing into a solid third baseman.
Johnson got off to a more modest start to the 2014 season, but the Braves front office felt that they had seen enough. They handed Johnson a three year, $23.5 million extension in early May which contains a club option for the 2018 season (which would be for another $10 million).
The Braves are under no obligation to move Johnson so soon after signing him long term, but given the existing market for third baseman there might never be a better time to pursue exploring a deal. Johnson is a career .283/.319/.419 hitter, plays consistent defense, and could be far more affordable than signing a player such as Pablo Sandoval or Chase Headley.
All that remains is finding a team willing to move prospects instead of committing to a lucrative free agent deal.