The 2014 MLB winter meetings saw many big splashes, but the Atlanta Braves were not a part of one of them.
Despite rumors of the Braves being involved in trade talks, nothing materialized on that front.
The two main trade targets the Braves are shopping are Justin Upton and Evan Gattis, and things remained quiet on that front throughout the week, according to MLB.com's Mark Bowman:
All seems to be pretty quiet on the J-Up/Gattis front this morning. #Braves
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) December 11, 2014
There's obviously plenty of time for one or both to be traded this offseason, but let's take a look at what the Braves got done during the winter meetings.
Added Alberto Callaspo and Dian Toscano
The team has not officially announced the signing of either player, but it appears everything is finalized except for the physicals. Per Bowman:
Update on Cuban OF Dian Toscano. The #Braves have completed the financial specifics. The deal is now pending a physical.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) December 10, 2014
Like w/ Toscano, the #Braves still have some things to iron out w/ Callaspo. But they seem to be close w/ both players.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) December 9, 2014
Let's start with Alberto Callaspo, a 31-year-old second and third baseman.
As the Braves wait for prospect Jose Peraza to be MLB-ready, Callaspo will play the role of a short-term solution primarily at second base.
While Callaspo is coming off a down season with the Oakland Athletics—.223/.290/.290—there's reason to believe he will be much more effective in 2015.
For his career, Callaspo has hit .267 with a .330 on-base percentage and .700 OPS. These are not eye-popping numbers, but they are productive.
He also provides manager Fredi Gonzalez with some versatility, as he's a switch-hitter and can play third base. This could mean some playing time at third against right-handed pitchers, as Chris Johnson is much less effective hitting right-handers.
This was not a spectacular move, but it's a move to get crossed off the list as the offseason continues.
In Dian Toscano, we have an enigma. The 25-year-old Cuban outfielder could compete for the fourth outfield spot. He has plus speed but a weak arm, so this will likely limit him to left field and possibly some center field.
At the plate, Toscano doesn't provide much power, but he does have a high contact rate and good plate awareness. In his last season in Cuba, he hit .356/.400/.452.
We'll have a better feel for where Toscano fits in when spring training rolls around.
No Movement on Upton/Gattis...yet
After trading Jason Heyward to the St. Louis Cardinals, President of Baseball Operations John Hart signaled a move toward building for the future.
With Justin Upton's pending free agency, it became clear that he would likely be moved. The winter meetings seemed like an opportune time for that to happen, but the time came and went.
It's hard to grade Hart on not trading Upton at this point, as we don't know the trade offers. We will have to wait and see what the Braves can get for Upton if or when a deal does happen.
The same can be said for Gattis, as the Braves should be able to net a nice return for a right-handed power bat with years of team control. Gattis is the likelier of the two to stay because of that team control.
However, with a depleted farm system and Gattis at peak trade value, it would be in the Braves' interest to find a trade partner this offseason.
This is far from over, so we'll have to keep monitoring the status of both players this offseason.
Final Verdict
The Braves were quiet at the winter meetings. Their best move was signing the versatile veteran in Callaspo. However, this offseason will be remembered for the trades that do or don't get done.
Because of this, I'll give the Braves a C.
We don't know the trade offers that Hart received. We'll have to wait and grade the trades if or when they do take place.
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