Report: Braves, Indians discussed swapping Nick Swisher and Chris Johnson
Nick Swisher and Chris Johnson reportedly nearly traded teams earlier in the season.
According to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal, the Atlanta Braves and Cleveland Indians were in discussion in early June about a deal that would send Swisher to Atlanta and Johnson to Cleveland.
Sources: #Braves, #Indians discussed trade of Chris Johnson for Nick Swisher in early June, before Swisher went on DL with knee issue…
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 12, 2015
The report details that the Braves opted not to go through with the deal because of Swisher's expensive contract, as he is making $9 million more than Johnson's $6-million contract this season.
#Braves backed off due to disparity in 2015 salaries (Swisher $15M, Johnson $6M). Swisher now owed ~$22M thru 16, Johnson ~$20M thru 17.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 12, 2015
The Indians would have loved to jettison Swisher, who has been a disappointment for the past two seasons.
Prior to going on the DL with a knee injury, Swisher was hitting .198/.261/.297 with two home runs and eight RBI in 30 games this season.
Johnson has experienced less time on the field after the Braves acquired Juan Uribe, who has become the team's starting third baseman.
