Braves trade rumors: Julio Teheran, Freddie Freeman likely staying put

With the Draft out of the way, the focus for the Atlanta Braves will be on the trade deadline and who might be available. Atlanta has a few veteran options that they could look to unload for prospects but it appears that two of their bigger name players will be sticking around.

Today’s Knuckleball’s Jon Heyman reports that Atlanta isn’t expected to trade either Julio Teheran or Freddie Freeman before the deadline. Per the report, Heyman says that many executives think that Teheran will be on the market and is likely to be traded but cites a source inside the organization that he won’t be going anywhere. If Atlanta were to make Teheran available, it would likely take a major league middle of the order hitter to get a deal done.

While many baseball people believe the Braves will trade Julio Teheran, it may not be at this juncture. With his long deal, they can wait. Once again, a Braves person said, flatly, “I don’t see the Braves trading Teheran.” If they did entertain talks, they’d insist on a middle-of-the-order bat. While one rival GM says “he’s not the ace he was expected to be,” he does have a 2.93 ERA

As far as Freeman goes, a source told Heyman that he was “totally off limits.”

Do the Braves have an untouchable? Apparently they do. A Braves source insisted Freddie Freeman isn’t going anywhere. “Totally off limits,” came the word. Teams apparently have gotten the hint, as there have been no calls on him (though it’s pretty early)

According to Heyman, Nick Markakis’ name is out there and involved in trade discussions. Atlanta is also trying to dangle Erick Aybar but his struggles this season are making a potential trade difficult.

If the past has taught us anything, it is that things can change quickly and players that were thought to be untouchable can quickly become available. However, in the case of Teheran and Freeman, the Braves would likely have to be overwhelmed to consider dealing either as they have consistently referred to them as building blocks for the future.