The Atlanta Braves may not be in contention this season with a 49-60 record, but they continue to make move that seem to point towards trying to contend in 2016. Atlanta has traded third baseman Chris Johnson to the Cleveland Indians for outfielder Michael Bourn and first baseman Nick Swisher. Yahoo Sports' Tim Brown was first to report the trade.
Cleveland has to be happy to get out of Swisher's contract, which will pay him $15 million in 2016 and contains a $14 million vesting option for 2017. The 34-year-old has been out of the lineup since June 13, missing nearly two months with a knee injury. He is currently out on a rehab assignment, but should return in the near future. The Indians also part with Bourn, who is set to make $14 million in 2016, with a $12 million vesting option in 2017.
Cleveland will also send cash in return, while receiving Johnson's contract, which will pay him $7.5 million in 2016, $9 million in 2017 and has a $1 million buyout in 2018, which will be used rather than paying him $10 million. He will be a backup third baseman and first baseman for the Indians.
Atlanta has needed help at first base with Freddie Freeman on the disabled list. Swisher will spend most of his time at first base until Freeman returns, then should make some starts in left field. Bourn returns to the team where he had his best years production wise. His ability has dropped off over the past three seasons, but he should provide nice depth as a utility outfielder and pinch runner.
Ultimately, both teams used this deal to swap bad contracts. Cleveland gets out from two of the worst contracts in baseball, while Atlanta dumps a third baseman that had no market. All three players involved will likely be free agents after the 2016 season, clearing money to spend on marquee free agents.