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One of the more puzzling things about the trade deadline from the Braves perspective was the lack of deals involving veterans on short term deals. With players like Jim Johnson, Jeff Francoeur, Erick Aybar, etc. on the roster...it was somewhat expected that the Braves would deal at least some of them for prospects, but the deadline came and they remained with the team.
However, never doubt that Coppy and the rest of the front office are always working towards the next deal as they have made multiple waiver wire deals since then including dealing Erick Aybar and Hunter Cervenka.
Now it appears that a fan favorite and a Braves with deep Atlanta roots is headed to a new team.
jeff francoeur is to go to marlins in proposed 3-way trade also involving rangers. @Joelsherman1 1st
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 25, 2016
Source confirms a deal is in place for Francoeur to go the Marlins. The Braves would get Minor Lg. SS Dylan Moore from the Rangers
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) August 25, 2016
Three team deals always appear to be weirder than they actually are but this one seems straightforward. Frenchy doesn’t really have a place on the team right now, especially with the acquisition of Matt Kemp and the theoretical return of Mallex Smith. The Marlins need help in their outfield with the loss of Giancarlo Stantion and playing Ichiro everyday. It appears the Rangers’ part in this deal involves receiving international signing pool money from the Marlins to the Rangers.
The return for the Braves is high-A shortstop prospect Dylan Moore. Calling him a shortstop prospect is a bit of a misnomer as he has spent considerable time at first base this season but has played all over the place. This season he has batted .263/.377/.440 across two levels of the minors this season.
****UPDATE: 9:51 PM****
It appears there is at least one more moving part in the deal as a Marlins catcher prospects appears to also be on the move
Am hearing Matt Foley, rookie league catcher, is in the Francouer deal #Marlins #Braves #Rangers
— Joe Frisaro (@JoeFrisaro) August 25, 2016
No idea as to whether the Rangers or Braves would be receiving Foley, but we all know that the Braves thought very highly of Francoeur’s leadership on the team so its possible the Braves were able to squeeze another prospect out of the deal.
****UPDATE: 10:09 PM****
The trade has been completed, hugs have been given out, and Coppy did in fact land both Foley and Moore while sending some cash and a international bonus slot out. Full details below
The Atlanta Braves, Miami Marlins and Texas Rangers completed a trade today. Details: pic.twitter.com/zSx9IklbzD
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 25, 2016