Atlanta Braves: Five Players to Trade Before the Break
By Kit Anderson
- Time to Target an Upgrade
Whether it is this season in a trade or in the off-season bringing back a name like Craig Kimbrel the Braves need to move on from Jim Johnson at the closer position. Johnson has been a great addition to the Braves and has given max effort but is also not the shut-down closer he was for the Orioles.
The Braves do not have the luxury of sending Johnson out to the mound and knowing that their game is decided. That luxury left when the Braves sent Craig Kimbrel packing to the San Diego Padres. Johnson may not garner a big return but much like Jason Grilli was Johnson has given the Braves his all and now it is time for the Braves to move on from the veteran.
Johnson could be a good player to package with other pieces to get a better return. His value could sky rocket as well if a competing team is in need of bullpen help badly. One team that comes to mind is the division rival Washington Nationals though it is hard to see the Braves helping their rivals in any fashion a trade for Johnson could make sense. Regardless of the team the Braves need to move on from Johnson while he retains a bit of value.