On a trade deadline day that featured the Dodgers and Giants addressing their starting rotations, the Rangers shoring up their catching situation, the Mets adding the NL RBI leader and the Yankees continuing to add to what has become a top farm system seemingly overnight, the typically trade-happy Atlanta Braves were conspicuously quiet.
While John Coppolella and Atlanta's front office saved their heavy lifting for Saturday night by essentially purchasing Matt Kemp's rights from the San Diego Padres, the Braves featured multiple names expected to draw interest before Monday's 4 p.m. deadline. Setting aside high-profile names like Nick Markakis, a veteran bat who might have warranted a decent prospect return in this seller's market, even relievers Jim Johnson, Ian Krol and Hunter Cervenka stayed put. It appears the Braves were willing to wait — or were forced to wait due to insufficient offers — and move veterans on short-term contracts by passing them through waivers over the next month or so.
Johnson, the team's de facto closer since Arodys Vizcaino's trip to the disabled list (undercutting his own trade stock), appeared to be the most likely Braves trade candidate at the deadline.
The reigning National League Player of the Week, Johnson owned a 1.82 ERA with six saves since June 1. Given the overwhelming returns relievers were fetching sellers this month — though Johnson is clearly not in the same class as the likes of Andrew Miller and Mark Melancon — it is slightly surprising the Braves did not move the 33-year-old former All-Star for the second straight year. (Consider: Productive relievers Scott Feldman and Will Smith required hauls including a top-20 Blue Jays prospect and Giants top overall prospect, respectively. Johnson, a two-month rental, carried some value.)
Cervenka, a left-handed specialist, reportedly drew interest from teams like the Marlins, but apparently neither garnered too-good-to-pass-up deals.
If the Braves want to move any remaining pieces now they will have to pass through waivers, as Jonny Gomes did last season before being traded to Kansas City. Potential candidates include Johnson, shortstop Erick Aybar and, once Tyler Flowers returns from injury, catcher A.J. Pierzynski.
The anticlimactic deadline is a matter of perspective, of course.
Landing one of the NL's top power bats in Kemp — for a fairly sizable financial commitment given his recent production, though it required zero prospects and addressed a pressing need for right-handed pop — and flipping two midseason rentals (Lucas Harrell and Dario Alvarez) for the organization's new No. 9 prospect, Travis Demeritte, according to MLB Pipeline, should hardly be considered a passive approach. The Braves improved both the farm system and major-league roster in July.
The front office simply did not kick the trade machine into overdrive.
