5 Biggest Atlanta Braves Rumors Two Weeks Before 2015 MLB Trade Deadline

5 Biggest Atlanta Braves Rumors Two Weeks Before 2015 MLB Trade Deadline

Cameron Maybin
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With all the talk going into the month of July about the Atlanta Braves trying to compete while rebuilding fading fast, the rumor mill has picked up speed. Where they once were looking to try and make the playoffs and not sell a lot of their veterans, the Braves now are looking to seriously maximize the value of their expendable players as their realistic position in the NL East begins to sink in. Here are the five biggest rumors for the Braves.

5. Juan Uribe and Cameron Maybin are Available to Interested Teams

Cameron Maybin
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5. Juan Uribe and Cameron Maybin are Available to Interested Teams

Cameron Maybin
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The Braves have the luxury of having about four third basemen at the moment and that is going to allow them to offer more than one of them up via trade. One such player is Uribe who has been impressive during his short time with the team. Maybin has made headlines all season for his renewed stroke and impact on the team. Both of these key players are available right now.

4. Jim Johnson Very Likely to be Traded Soon

Jim Johnson
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4. Jim Johnson Very Likely to be Traded Soon

Jim Johnson
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Even after the injury to Jason Grilli, the Braves are still going to be sellers on the late inning reliever market with Johnson. Anyone who thinks the Braves plan on holding on to him should examine the way they have stocked up on experienced late inning relievers who have been released by other teams recently. Johnson is as good as gone.

3. Kelly Johnson is a Surprisingly Good Trade Chip

Kelly Johnson
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3. Kelly Johnson is a Surprisingly Good Trade Chip

Kelly Johnson
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Johnson has made a huge comeback in Atlanta this season after being invited via a minor league deal to spring training. He is now a huge factor for the team with the recent injury to Freddie Freeman helping him to prove the worth he has in his ability to play many positions. Look for him to come alive on the trade market for a short time before a deal is completed once Freeman returns from injury.

2. A.J. Pierzynski Being Looked at by Minnesota Twins

A.J. Pierzynski
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2. A.J. Pierzynski Being Looked at by Minnesota Twins

A.J. Pierzynski
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Everyone knows how impressive Pierzynski has been this season as he has filled the vacuum behind the plate left by supposed promising prospect Christian Bethancourt. That might get him a spot on the Braves next season if they can swing the right deal but it won't keep him with them this season. The Twins are looking for an upgrade behind the plate and the rejuvenated Pierzynski fits well.

1. Chris Johnson is the New Melvin Upton Jr.

Chris Johnson
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1. Chris Johnson is the New Melvin Upton Jr.

Chris Johnson
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Though admittedly on a drastically smaller scale, Chris Johnson has become the newer version of Upton Jr and Dan Uggla before him. His horrible contract makes him unattractive to other teams via trade even though he does have some value. He will likely be traded and claims he wants to be traded, but it will probably cost the Braves someone they don't want to lose.

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