MLB Atlanta Braves

5 Players The Atlanta Braves Should Still Be Looking To Trade

5 Players The Atlanta Braves Should Still Be Looking To Trade

Evan Gattis and Chris Johnson
Jason Getz - USA Today Sports

After the 2014 season, it appeared that the Braves were looking at a two-year window to really make a big push in their division. GM John Hart has done a great job so far in getting good value on his acquisitions, and it's possible he's not quite finished. Take a look at these five possible trade targets.

5. Craig Kimbrel - RP

Craig Kimbrel Braves
Brett Davis - USA Today Sports

5.Craig Kimbrel - RP

Craig Kimbrel Braves
Brett Davis - USA Today Sports

The thought of trading arguably the greatest closer in baseball is as blasphemous as it gets. However, at age 26, Kimbrel is still in the prime of his career. While having a dominant closer is invaluable to any franchise, it means nothing if the team can't manufacture runs to allow said closer to save a game. Look for Hart to dangle Kimbrel to see what returns he can get. It's unlikely, but something to keep an eye on.

4. Luis Avilan - RP

Luis Avilan Braves
Rick Osentoski - USA Today Sports

4. Luis Avilan - RP

Luis Avilan Braves
Rick Osentoski - USA Today Sports

Left-handed relievers are always wanted, and as a setup man with strong numbers in 2013, Avilan is sure to draw interest. He had a down year in 2014, but after some time in Triple-A, he fared better to end the season.

3. Chris Johnson - 3B

Chris Johnson Atlanta Braves
Brett Davis - USA Today Sports

3. Chris Johnson - 3B

Chris Johnson Atlanta Braves
Brett Davis - USA Today Sports

Johnson is an interesting trade target being he just signed a three-year extension this past May for $23.5 million. However, he did not come close to repeating his stellar 2013 campaign in which he batted .321. Johnson does have value as he is a decent third-baseman and a solid hitter.

2. Evan Gattis - C

Evan Gattis Atlanta Braves
Jason Getz - USA Today Sports

2. Evan Gattis - C

Evan Gattis Atlanta Braves
Jason Getz - USA Today Sports

Gattis being moved is almost inevitable as the Braves are looking to make way for young catcher Christian Bethancourt to fully take over catching duties in 2015. As an insurance policy, the Braves acquired A.J. Pierzynski last week, which means Gattis would either have to fill the left-field spot or be traded.

1. B.J. Upton - OF

BJ Upton Braves
Brett Davis - USA Today Sports

1. B.J. Upton - OF

BJ Upton Braves
Brett Davis - USA Today Sports

With $46 million dollars still owed on Upton's $75 million dollar contract, finding a team foolish enough to take him would be the ultimate gift for Hart and the Braves. Upton has had the worst years of his career in a Braves uniform. The Braves should be actively and aggressively trying to move him at all costs.

Brandon Williams is an Atlanta Braves writer for www.RantSports.com. You can follow him on Twitter, @BfreshAlum4UA, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.

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