The Atlanta Braves are, rather curiously, reportedly looking at bats as the trade market heats up.
According to several reports, the Braves have talked to the San Diego Padres about Matt Kemp and have also asked the New York Yankees about Brian McCann.
Sources confirm: #Padres working to trade Kemp. Talked to #Braves, as @JimBowden_ESPN said. ATL seeking offense. Many available options.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 30, 2016
#Yankees’ McCann (full no-trade) another bat #Braves are considering, as first reported by @jonheyman. Again: Numerous options available.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 30, 2016
For a team such as the Braves who are in a full-on rebuilding process, these are rather curious targets. They’re high-priced veterans. In McCann’s case, he’s a former Braves star, so there’s a box office attraction there. Maybe it’s just an attractive option because they might be able to get these players without giving up that much if they take on most of the money. Perhaps the Braves think they’re closer to contention than most believe. They’re holding on to prize assets, and with a new stadium in 2017, maybe they plan to go for it.
