Report: Braves looking to get rid of B.J. Upton 'at almost any cost'
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After finally ridding themselves of struggling and disgruntled second baseman Dan Uggla this week, the Atlanta Braves aren't done clearing debris. Uggla was like a gateway release. They're chasing that feeling. They can't stop. They're hooked.
Gm post-Uggla:"Braves desperate to get someone to take BJ Upton at almost any cost."
— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) July 19, 2014
The Braves signed Upton to a five-year, $75 million contract before last season, hoping he could bring his stout two-way production from Tampa Bay and eventually form a dynamic outfield tandem with his brother Justin. But while Justin has thrived, B.J. has been a colossal flop in Atlanta.
After he failed to crack the Mendoza line in 446 plate appearances last season, the Braves had to figure some positive regression would be in store for the guy who'd posted an above-average OPS+ in five of the previous six seasons.
He's been better this year, but not by much. In 90 games, he's hitting .215/.277/.343, while leading the NL in strikeouts and posting the second-lowest walk rate of his career.
It's unclear who would be willing to take a flier on a guy who's flubbing his way through a second-straight sub-replacement-level season, let alone one who's still got three and a half years and close to $40 million left on his contract.
But if the Braves are truly willing to shed Upton at any cost, that will likely mean agreeing to pay a large portion of his remaining salary, no matter where he ends up. In which case the centerfielder, who, it should be noted, is still just 29 years old, could be worth the risk for any playoff hopeful looking to add an extra outfielder ahead of the stretch run.