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Well Braves fans, that was among the busier, more landscape altering trade deadlines in recent memory (if not ever). In the days leading up to the deadline today, names such as Cole Hamels, David Price, Troy Tulowitzki, Yoenis Cespedes, and of course Alex Wood not to mention countless other players have new teams as the quest to get that last, late push in to the playoffs really begins.
The Braves were quiet on Friday, despite rumors of interest in Julio Teheran, Jonny Gomes, and AJ Pierzynski floating around during the course of the day. Now thats not to say that the Braves hadn't been busy, with the 3 team trade involved the Braves, Dodgers, and Marlins being among the more intriguing deals during the entire lead up to the deadline. The deal sent Alex Wood, Jim Johnson, Luis Avilan, and prospect Jose Peraza to the Dodgers with the Braves receiving Hector Olivera, Paco Rodriguez, prospect Zach Bird, and the (currently) 35th pick in the 2016 draft. Reaction from fans to the trade was not particularly positive with concern focused primarily on the loss of Wood and the reliance on a 30 year old 3B with an injury history and no MLB experience to produce enough to justify the price that was paid for his services. John Hart and co. really put themselves out there with this trade and are betting their credibility on the fact that Olivera's bat is as good as advertised and that he will be healthy.
The Braves also dealt Juan Uribe and Kelly Johnson to the Mets for a couple of pitching prospects (Whalen and Gant) in a move that was somewhat expected. Both players were free agents at the end of the year and getting some value from them on the trade market when the Braves were not contending this year was a no brainer. That being said, man the lineup looks rough without them.
With that, the trade deadline season comes to an end, although that may not be the end of the moves for the Braves. This was the NON-WAIVER trade deadline after all and there are a few players that could be traded via the waiver wire
Today's deadline has passed without the Braves making a deal. Pierzynski and Gomes among those who could be in play over this next month.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) July 31, 2015
They could, but wouldn't surprise me if they hang on to A.J. For the young pitchers. https://t.co/B4qIknyU2u
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienAJC) July 31, 2015
Expect to hear whispers about AJ Pierzynski, Jonny Gomes, and Chris Johnson will all be names that could be waiver wire trade candidates over the next month or so. Gomes and Pierzynski could both provide a strong veteran presence in a locker room for a contender. As for CJ, given how hard the Braves have tried to trade since last year, its much more likely that he will be given his outright release either at season's end or even before then. Ultimately, the Braves have no leverage to move Johnson at this point and releasing him may just remove a distraction.