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Twitter Revelations From Atlanta Braves GM John Coppolella

By Chris Jervis

Mar 15, 2015; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; The Atlanta Braves logo painted on the field during a spring training baseball game at Champion Stadium. The Toronto Blue Jays beat the Atlanta Braves 10-5. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 15, 2015; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; The Atlanta Braves logo painted on the field during a spring training baseball game at Champion Stadium. The Toronto Blue Jays beat the Atlanta Braves 10-5. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 29, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez (33) checks out the field as he stands in the dugout before their game against the Washington Nationals at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 29, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez (33) checks out the field as he stands in the dugout before their game against the Washington Nationals at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Trades May Be Coming

While Coppolella did not mention any specific names, it is well understood that the Atlanta Braves have too many bodies vying for the available roster spots. The outfield, in particular, features a number of players trying to make the team. Michael Bourn is likely a lock, as he is the only player besides Ender Inciarte who can play center field. Nick Swisher, Jeff Francoeur, Hector Olivera, and Nick Markakis are battling out the other two starting spots. In addition, Kelly Johnson and Emilio Bonifacio are hoping their ability to play some LF will help their chances of making the team.

As recently as this past Friday, I thought the chances of Nick Swisher making the team were slim. But recent discussions about the health of Freddie Freeman‘s wrist have seemed to improve the odds of Swisher making the team. Still, Swisher is likely the player the Braves would most like to move. He has a major league deal, so he is taking a roster spot as well as making $15 Million.

If the Braves wish to move Swisher before the season, they will have to pay a significant sum of his remaining deal. However, the Braves received $5 Million from the Cleveland Indians to be applied towards Swisher’s 2015 salary, so they would not necessarily be out of pocket as much as it would seem.

Other candidates for trade could include Michael Bourn, Bud Norris, Jeff Francoeur, Erick Aybar, or, if the right offer came along, young prospects like Tyrell Jenkins or Aaron Blair.

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