Maybin likely to stay put at Deadline
Teams asking about center fielder, but Braves would need overwhelming offer
BALTIMORE -- As Cameron Maybin flourished once he gained an everyday role in May, the Braves toyed with the idea of "selling high" on him. But they are now providing clear indication that they would need to be blown away with an offer to trade Maybin, who would stand as a bargain over the next two seasons if he continues to extend his recent success.
Multiple teams have expressed interest in Maybin and will likely continue to do so leading up to Friday afternoon's non-waiver Trade Deadline. But the Braves do not anticipate receiving an offer that would tempt them to trade the 28-year-old center fielder, who entered Monday having hit .282 with eight home runs, 17 stolen bases and a .744 OPS.
FOX Sports reported late Monday afternoon that earlier this year the Braves had offered Maybin and Juan Uribe in exchange for Giants outfielder Angel Pagan and an unidentified prospect. A Braves official immediately responded to this report by emphatically denying the club had ever even toyed with the idea of swapping Maybin in exchange for the 34-year-old Pagan, who has underperformed and become recognized as a health-risk over the past few seasons.
When the Braves enter this offseason looking for a power bat, there is always the chance that Maybin could prove to be the significant piece they would need to deal to satisfy this need. But at the same time, there would certainly be reason for Atlanta to keep the center fielder, who is owed $8 million next year and has a $9 million option for the 2017 season.
After battling injuries over the past few seasons with the Padres, Maybin was seemingly revitalized by the five-player Opening Day Eve trade that brought him to Atlanta and sent closer Craig Kimbrel to San Diego. He has enjoyed the opportunity to play approximately three hours from his Asheville, N.C., home and has flourished under the tutelage of Atlanta hitting coaches Kevin Seitzer and Jose Castro.
Though the Braves might not make a significant deal before Friday's 4 p.m. ET deadline, they are still receiving calls from clubs that are interested in reliever Jim Johnson and catcher A.J. Pierzynski, a pair of veterans who will become free agents at the end of this season.