Adding a couple of starting pitchers is the Braves’ priority, but deciding what to do with corner outfielders Justin Upton and Jason Heyward — they’re both eligible for free agency next fall — also is on the winter to-do list. It’s possible those tasks could cross at some point in the form of a trade.
John Hart, Braves president of baseball operations, said he didn’t come to this week’s general managers meetings ready to trade anyone and said the Braves haven’t called teams trying to move catcher Evan Gattis or their corner outfielders.
But officials from two other teams said the Braves are listening to offers for Upton, Heyward and Gattis, the catcher whose power bat and four years of contractual control before free agency make him attractive to teams, particularly American League teams who could use him as a designated hitter.
The Braves could trade Heyward, Upton or both rather than have them walk away as free agents next winter.
“We like both players,” Hart said Tuesday. “In a perfect world you’d love to have both guys. We know the clock is running down. We know these guys are staring at free agency. We certainly have the 2015 season in front of us, and both guys fit nicely. But we also have other holes in the club.”
If a trade could help the Braves get starting pitching and/or young players to fill holes for the next few years that a currently thin Braves farm system can’t be expected to fill, then a deal or deals might happen.
And if Heyward or Upton were traded, it could open an outfield spot for Gattis, who otherwise seems likely to be dealt because the Braves have Christian Bethancourt penciled in as their primary catcher.
Heyward, 25, won his second Gold Glove last week, and the McDonough resident is a fan favorite who was drafted and developed by the Braves. He’ll make $8.3 million in the final year of the two-year contract extension he signed last spring, and Hart said Tuesday for the first time publicly that he didn’t think there would be another contract extension with Heyward before he becomes a free agent.
“I wasn’t the general manager last year,” said Hart, who replaced fired GM Frank Wren. “There was a two-year deal given to take him up to his free agency. I think as much as anything wants the ability to be able to explore (free agency), and it’s understandable. This is a homegrown player; it’s a player that we love. But my assumption is it’s probably the wrong time (for an extension). I don’t think that there are a lot of legs for doing something, on either side.
“That doesn’t mean there can’t be a deal a year down the road. It certainly doesn’t mean that. I just don’t think that this is the time. We’ve got him under contract. There’s going to be no ill will, no arbitration. He knows we love him. And we’ll just play this one out.”
B.J. Upton open to change: While the Braves could be hesitant to trade Justin Upton, who led the team with 29 home runs and 102 RBIs, they would like to trade his brother, B.J. Upton, but know it might be next to impossible unless he makes some progress in 2015.
The Braves would like to get out from under part of the $46 million they owe the center fielder over the next three seasons by including Upton in a trade for a player teams want, such as Gattis. That will be difficult. A scout from an American League said his team would love to have Gattis, but wouldn’t consider taking B.J. Upton.
In two seasons with the Braves he’s hit .198 with 21 homers, 61 RBIs, a .279 OBP and a .593 OPS.
Barring a trade, Hart hopes new hitting coach Kevin Seitzer can get through to Upton. Hart came away encouraged after spending most of a day with Upton last month.
“I’ve visited with him; we’ve had meetings,” Hart said. “He is absolutely game-on with making some adjustments. I think that’s a big part of it, too. This is a player that, although he’s got his contract, he’s not happy. He’s not happy with what has happened, and I think that’s a big part if you’re going to make a change and make an adjustment.
“We’re certainly going in with both eyes open that, you know, how much of an adjustment can he make? How long will it take? But I’m an optimistic guy, glass half-full, so we’re going to give it a try.”
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