MLB Winter Meetings: Five Bold Predictions

Sep 19, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves left fielder Justin Upton (8) reacts after a strikeout against the New York Mets in the eighth inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

2- The Atlanta Braves Will Not Trade Justin Upton

The Braves are expecting to get a “greater return” on Upton than they got on Jason Heyward earlier this offseason. That’s just silly talk. Upton is only under contract through 2015 and my guess is that he is going to test the free agent market next year regardless of who he plays for this year.

But with the signing of Nick Markakis, the Braves – like the Dodgers – have an abundance of outfielders. So despite the fact that several teams are inquiring on Upton – like Kemp – I don’t think the Braves move him.

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Instead, I think they will listen to more offers on Evan Gattis. Gattis CAN play in the outfield – though he’s not great – so an American League team would make sense seeing that he could split time in left, catching and at designated hitter.

Chances are, the Braves work out a deal with Texas – one of the player in on Upton – and Upton stays in Atlanta with his brother for the time being.

So what does this mean for Seattle? Just like with the Kemp deal, it means the team doesn’t have to give up young talent, specifically their prized arm (Walker) for one year of Upton. Though some are of the opinion that the Mariners should pull the trigger on that deal anyways, it never did really make sense and it seems now that it likely won’t happen.