Atlanta Braves: Top Trade Chips for the 2017 Season
By Kit Anderson
Bullpen Arms
The Braves have added a lot of names to their bullpen and are expected to have multiple bullpen spots tightly contended for in Spring Training. Among the Braves prospective bullpen arms are veterans Jordan Walden, Jim Johnson, Eric O’Flaherty, John Danks, and Josh Collmenter.
Adding so many veteran arms in contention for bullpen spots could open up for a possible deal in spring training or would offer the Braves the opportunity to trade bullpen pieces to contending teams at the break.
Out of the possibilities Jordan Walden offers the most upside considering the dominate set-up man that he was with Atlanta before injuries plagued him. Since the Walden hasn’t spent much time on the mound and struggled to get healthy. If he can prove himself healthy he could turn into a solid set-up option either for the Braves or a contender at the break.
Jim Johnson is expected to start the season as the Braves closer and could receive some trade interest as well if he can pitch as he did for most of last season. Johnson may not have the velocity he once did but he still is capable of shutting down the ninth inning and seems to have found a home with Atlanta. It is doubtful that they would opt to trade the veteran closer but something they should at least explore.