Are Atlanta Braves Looking to Reunite With 2 Old Friends?

Rumors Running are Rampant, but the Braves are at least toying with the idea of putting the band back together in 2017.

Like Jake and Elwood did 36 years ago, there’s a sign that the Atlanta Braves just might be trying for a re-do on the departure of a pair of old friends.  One of these they already have in hand.  A second they can get this weekend.  The third will have to wait for the off-season.

Let’s get to those rumors.

In 2002, Atlanta drafted Jeff Francoeur in the 1st round.  With their next pick, they went for another local high school hero:  Brian McCann.  The reunion with Frenchy was accomplished this season, and looks to be extended for another season if all goes according to plans and stated preferences.

It’s possible now that the other member of that once dynamic duo could return as well.

Well that’s a bit surprising… and at the same time, it’s also not surprising.  Let’s help Buster with that context:

B-Mac

It was 2013 when the Braves waved a fond farewell to McCann.  At the time, Frank Wren was still in the GM’s saddle, but it really didn’t matter too much who was there, as Atlanta was focused on trying to avoid any more large contracts.  They already had Dan Uggla and Melvin Upton chewing up a lot of resources.  Justin Upton‘s contract was about to burst up another $5 million as well, and their catcher was hitting free agency – along with Tim Hudson.

Wren didn’t even make an offer, knowing that the Yankees were set to offer big money.  They did:  a 5 year, $85 million deal running through 2018… with a 2019 option on top of that.  Besides, Christian Bethancourt was en route for the Braves and would be on the scene shortly.  Atlanta didn’t really want to get into a 5 year contract for a catcher entering his year-30 season… despite his record of general durability.

Funny how things work out.

Now with Jonathan Lucroy looking too expensive (in terms of prospects and coin) to get, Wilson Ramos looking like maybe he won’t be easy to secure, Matt Wieters perhaps the same, and other options appearing meh… Atlanta is turning to the Yankees for a possible trade to bring their son home.

Might Not Be So Easy

However, it could be a bit complicated.

Joel Sherman of the New York Post points out a couple of things:

• A full no-trade clause.  Yes, McCann still lives in Atlanta, but… the clause is there for a reason.
• That contract.  According to Sherman, the Braves see him at a $10-12 million value catcher, and he’s making $17 million.
• The Yankees are not volunteering to eat $12 million (the difference for the rest of this year and the next 2).  In fact, they do not wish to eat any money.
• The trade request.  On top of the contract, the Yankees want quite a bit in return.  The Braves are thinking a lot less in terms of prospects.

There’s also the blocking factors.  Gary Sanchez is ready to be the #1 catcher for New York (no, Atlanta isn’t getting him instead).  McCann could play first base or DH, but there are a couple of other names in the way:  Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez.  There was speculation earlier in the month that New York might opt to just release either or both of these players after the season, but to do so would cost a boatload of cash.

On the other hand, the Braves need an additional catcher for next year, and McCann’s contract is actually well-timed.  He could share time with Tyler Flowers both now and during next season, then continue through 2018. His offense, so potent when with Atlanta before, is now a concern.  His left-handed bat works well in Yankee stadium, but almost nowhere else… hence the lower valuation estimate.

That 2019 option is vestable, but it would be a bit of a stretch to make it happen… unless that was McCann’s demand to rescind his no-trade clause.  Even if the rest is worked out, the Braves might have to do something to encourage forgiveness and reconciliation.

Okay, I said that Sanchez isn’t going anywhere… but Sherman teases us with this:

"It is worth remembering the Braves had tried to obtain Sanchez on several occasions, and they are deep in pitching prospects — which is an area the Yankees badly want to address. The Yankees also believe they have some depth in catching. They have become intrigued, for example, by Kyle Higashioka. He always has had a reputation as a strong defender since the Yankees drafted him in 2008, but his bat kept him behind. However, between Double- and Triple-A this year, Higashioka was hitting .315 with 16 homers and a .945 OPS. He is 26, but the Yankees think his rise might be real because — among other factors — his exit velocity has risen steeply this year."

This would actually be the most ideal situation, but I can’t see the Yankees doing it for us.

The Yankees need to do the math here.  They are in a no-win scenario if they don’t allow Sanchez to depart.  While we don’t know the “ask” for McCann, they’ve got to know that their leverage position isn’t great.  The Braves do have other options… they aren’t great, but they are options, and thus don’t have to cave to New York.

Nonetheless, as frequent trading partners and because this makes sense for both sides, it would be nice if the clubs would be able to get this done.

Next: Nitram Odarp