Braves are favorites to land Yasmany Tomas, trying to trade Justin Upton

Getty Images
Getty Images

The chances of Justin Upton being with the Braves when the 2015 season begins seems to get slimmer by the day even with the trade of Jason Heyward.

Set to become a free agent at the end of the 2015 season the Braves have been getting considerable interest from others for Upton. The Braves will be looking for a package that is even greater than the one they received for Heyward in order to pull off a deal.

The problem with Upton remaining with the team is not that the Braves would not pay the price to sign him but rather the problem of having his older brother B.J. Upton on the roster at over $31 million for the next two seasons. The Braves worked hard to get B.J. Upton via free agency in order to lure Justin Upton to Atlanta and thus dumping him is not going to do much to work out an extension for the younger Justin Upton.

It is quite possible the Braves play the 2015 season with neither Upton on the roster though to get rid of B.J. they surely will have to take on someones bad contract. It is doubtful the Braves will simply release him especially after they released Dan Uggla last year and remain on the hook for $13 million this year.

Meanwhile the Braves have become the favorites to sign Cuban outfielder Yasmany Tomas – granted they can unload both Uptons. Tomas is believed to be seeking $15 million a season.

The Phillies have long been rumored to be the favorites for Tomas but after watching him field recently left with the idea that he was more of a designated hitter and would offer little value to a National League club. The Padres are also known to have interest in Tomas.

John Boarman
John Boarmanhttp://www.tireball.com
Founder and Owner of Tireball Sports.

Recent News

3,411FansLike
24FollowersFollow