Nick Swisher

Nick Swisher has fallen on hard times over the last two years, but the former All-Star is getting another chance to revive his career by returning to the New York Yankees. 

The Atlanta Braves reportedly released veteran outfielder Nick Swisher on Monday, per Fox Sports' Jon Morosi and Yahoo Sports' Jeff Passan.

The Atlanta Braves making a headline-grabbing trade? After all they've done in the last few months, odds are you're not surprised to hear that.

Rather, if you're surprised by anything, it's the nature of the Braves' latest swap.

There's usually a lull in the MLB offseason during the holidays, but expect the peace and quiet to come to an end once the calendar turns to 2015. There's still wheeling and dealing to be done.

For now, it seems as if even the MLB trade rumors have taken a backseat to eggnog and caroling. The few we do have focus on players with the ability to play the outfield.

The Cleveland Indians are reportedly ready to renege on their considerable investment in All-Star Nick Swisher.

You can feel the urgency between Major League Baseball teams and players picking up each day. There's been a pattern in recent years where it took months for deals and trades to happen. That hasn't been the case so far this offseason, which leads to more excitement and unpredictability. 

After two subpar seasons as a member of the Cleveland Indians, Nick Swisher's days with the Tribe could soon be numbered.

According to Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com, the Indians are considering trading the 33-year-old first baseman and outfielder in exchange for a player with a similarly large contract:

Cleveland Indians first baseman Nick Swisher is one of the most durable players in the game, but the veteran suffered a left knee injury and will go on the 15-day disabled list as a result.   

The Indians' official Twitter account reported the news on Tuesday afternoon:

Cleveland also called up a player to take Swisher's place on the roster, per the team's account:

Earlier this offseason, when the San Francisco Giants re-signed reliever Jeremy Affeldt to a three-year, $18 million contract, I argued that the club overpaid to retain the 33-year-old lefty.

Free agent Nick Swisher is drawing plenty of interest this offseason, which should come as no surprise given his consistent productivity.

The 32-year-old outfielder has hit 20 or more home runs in each of the last eight seasons, and he's played in at least 131 games per year over that span. In 2012, he hit .272 from the plate with 24 homers and 93 RBI while also posting the third-highest slugging percentage (.467) of his career.