MLB Trade Rumors: Atlanta Braves Target AJ Pollock

A.J. Pollock is one of the many high-profile players in the MLB free agent market, and the Atlanta Braves are looking into possibly adding him to the bullpen. The 31-year-old center fielder could be a good fit for the Braves which currently have a vacant corner spot.

As pointed out by the Daily Dish, Pollock's numbers last season show why he could be a gem of an addition for any team. He racked up .257/.316/.484 and .800 OPS with Arizona last season, hitting 21 home runs in 113 games. However, the downside is his ability to stay healthy since he has been prone to sustaining random injuries.

Despite having an open spot, the Braves could find themselves with a stacked outfield. While they do already have Ender Inciarte and Ronald Acuna, the Braves could make the necessary adjustments to factor in Pollock. His speed has diminished through the years, but he remains an asset for any team, whichever he may end up with.

Assuming that the Braves to take him in, they will have to sacrifice something. That could be the rights to their second-round pick, their third overall in the MLB Draft. Atlanta had already made it known that it is a non-issue if they sacrifice picks if they do make moves in the winter.

Pollock declined the qualifying offer made to him by the Arizona Diamondbacks. According to Buster Olney of ESPN, the Braves are now in discussions with the 31-year-old center fielder and other free agents.

As mentioned in a previous report, Pollock is seeking a five-year $80 million deal. However, that could be too much if the Braves are to assess his visibility in the field. He has not played more than 113 games in a year since 2013.

Despite his injury woes, Pollock is one of the widely pursued players in the MLB today. The Los Angeles Dodgers have also expressed interest in him, but the money angle needs to be threshed out. Depending on who between the Dodgers and the Braves are able to sort the salary space issues, Pollock may be simply waiting for the final offer from any ballclub.

Furthermore, that offer will also be up for scrutiny. Pollock and his camp will likely go over the offer on the table and see which is more viable. Included in that is the team outlook since the 31-year-old center fielder will want to join a team with higher chances of success.