Atlanta Braves interested in bringing back Kelly Johnson?
By John Buhler
The Atlanta Braves are reportedly better than 50-50 on bringing back popular utility man Kelly Johnson to the organization for the 2016 MLB season.
According to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman, there is a chance that the Atlanta Braves could bring back utility man Kelly Johnson to the club for the 2016 MLB season.
The #Braves have continued discussions with Kelly Johnson. Still seems like there's a chance a deal could be reached.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) January 5, 2016
Kelly Johnson played with the 2015 Atlanta Braves before being traded to the eventual National League Pennant winning New York Mets along with third baseman Juan Uribe before the July 31st MLB Trade Deadline. Johnson was also part of the 2005 Baby Braves that won the last of Atlanta’s 14 straight division titles (1991-2005).
Johnson was not initially fond of going to the rival Mets during last year’s deal, as he and his family really loved their time in Atlanta the previous two stops with the Braves. Johnson did play the best ball of his career in Braves uniform.
More from Braves Rumors
- Atlanta Braves Should Take a Chance on Matt Harvey
- Braves Need To Move Quickly To Lock Up Pitchers They Want
- Atlanta Braves Should Bring Mike Minor Back to Atlanta in Blockbuster Trade
- Braves In Talks With Kimbrel and Keuchel
- Atlanta Braves Waiting All-Star Game Confirmation
Because of his ability to play multiple positions in the field well, Kelly Johnson can effectively be an everyday player while a part of a few platoons, thus increasing his value. He has some pop at the plate and could play third base, left field, or second base for the Atlanta Braves.
He still has many years of left being able to play at the Majors at a high level, as Kelly Johnson won’t turn 34 until February. Part of the reason he the Atlanta Braves extended a Minor League deal with a spring training invitation last year is his leadership on the field.
He’s not the most outspoken player, but he works hard, plays hard, and his teammates respond well to it. No doubt he helped in some capacity to get the Mets to the World Series in 2015 with his great leadership skills.
If the Atlanta Braves want him and Kelly Johnson wants to play for the Atlanta Braves, it only makes sense for the club to extend him at least a one-year deal with the team. He likely will get more than a Minor League deal with a spring training invite as he had one of his better seasons of late in 2015 split between the Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets.
Next: Atlanta Braves looking to move Bourn or Swisher
If it is better than 50-50 that Kelly Johnson will sign with the Braves, expect Johnson to sign with the club within the next few days or so. It would be great to have KJ back in Atlanta. Go Braves!