It’s a shame the Atlanta Braves play in the National League, or we might not have to wonder if they should trade Brian McCann.  McCann and rookie Evan Gattis could split time at catcher and DH, and no one would be getting left out of any playing time.  The emergence of Gattis, has made it possible for the Braves to think about trading McCann, who might warrant a return of a high-end relief pitcher to replace Jonny Venters for a postseason push this year, and a high-end prospect. 

This decision is as much about Gattis as it is about McCann.  Gattis got off to a nice start this year with six homers in April, holding the fort down nicely while McCann was on the disabled list.  With McCann back on the active roster, there seems to be nowhere to play Gattis with any regular playing time.  Gattis has seen some time in the outfield too, but I’m sure the Braves would prefer Jason Heyward, Justin Upton, and B.J. Upton to play up to their maximum potential, in which case there would be no room for Gattis.

The Braves are a team built to make a run at the World Series this year.  That makes the McCann/Gattis controversy even more complicated.  The Braves must look at this decision not only based on how it affects their long-term, but also how it would impact their chances of winning now.  In the short-term, trading McCann now would mean the Braves think Gattis should be their everyday catcher immediately, and that gives them the best chance of winning the World Series this year.  I doubt the Braves are ready to make that decision, because while Gattis had a nice start, he isn’t exactly putting up All-Star numbers.  His eight homeruns are nice, and 22 RBI so far isn’t bad either, but he is only batting .248, and his .297 on-base percentage is dreadful.  These don’t seem to be the type of numbers that would result in trading your All-Star franchise catcher.

If the Braves do trade McCann now, it would suggest that they think it would be in their best interest in the long-term.  McCann is in his free-agent season, so a team trading for him at the deadline would be one that is making a last-effort push for the postseason, and could upgrade at the catcher position.  This would mean the Braves would have no interest in trying to negotiate a long-term deal with McCann, so they would be trying to get any return on him while they can.  If they are thinking about a long-term contract, you have to remember that the Braves are really a middle of the pack payroll type of team.  The Braves successful seasons have never really been due to high-priced free agents, but more due to drafting well, and winning with home-grown talent, and might not be able to afford to keep McCann.

I have to believe the Braves are thinking more short-term with McCann right now.  I think they give him the best option at catcher in the organization to win the World Series this year, and after this season they can let him test free agency.  If Gattis really is the catcher of the future for the Braves, there is no need to rush him to start at catcher every day before he is the best option on the team.  Gattis can still get at-bats by catching once every series while McCann has an off-day, and subbing in to give an outfielder a day off once in a while.  As of now, I think it would be in the best interest of the Braves not to trade McCann.