The Atlanta Braves entered the offseason with “visions of
signing” free agent outfielders Torii Hunter and B.J. Upton, reports Mark
Bowman of MLB.com. With Hunter reaching an agreement with the Detroit Tigers yesterday, Upton remains Atlanta’s top free agent target.
Braves had visions of signing both Torii Hunter and B.J. Upton. With Hunter off the board, Upton remains their top free agent target.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) November 14, 2012
The Braves are in need of at least one outfielder, and
specifically a center fielder, given Michael Bourn hit the free agent market
following the season. While there’s a chance he could re-sign with the Braves,
their dubbing of Upton as a top free agent target makes a reunion seem
unlikely.
Beyond the potential loss of Bourn, long-time Braves’ third
baseman and future Hall of Famer Chipper Jones retired after the season.
Atlanta will want to recoup some of the offense afforded them last season by
Bourn and Jones through free agency and trade.
Upton is a bit of an enigma as he’s seemingly always
underachieved during his time with the Tampa Bay Rays. Owner of immense talent,
Upton plays solid defense at an important position and has hit well enough over
his career (.255/.336/.422) that Bowman believes he could command a deal in the
$70-75 million range.
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