Atlanta Braves: 5 Possible Options If Michael Bourn Walks in Free Agency

The Atlanta Braves made an excellent move at the trading deadline last year when they acquired Michael Bourn from the Houston Astros.

However, the catch to that is the fact that Bourn is a free agent after this season.

Although the Braves are going to try hard to sign Bourn, there's a possibility he could go somewhere else via free agency, especially with Scott Boras being his agent.

Should that happen, here's a look at five possible players who could fill the hole in center field and at the top of the lineup.

Jose Constanza

This is one of the few in-house candidates the Braves can and will consider.

One of the nicest things about the struggles of Jason Heyward last year was the fact that we got to see what Jose Constanza could do when given a chance to start.

And, as many Braves fans would agree, I feel confident in saying that Constanza could fill the leadoff and center field roles.

Although he's struggled a little bit this spring, Constanza did well in his time last year with the Braves, hitting .303 with seven stolen bases and 21 runs scored.

Give him more time at the top of the lineup and I'm sure the runs and stolen bases will be more, while I expect to see his average stay about the same.

B.J. Upton

B.J. Upton has been pretty good for the Rays over the last few years.

The one concern with him is his low batting average, although a lifetime .342 on-base percentage shows that he does draw walks.

But, the one thing the Braves would be getting his a guy who can steal 40-plus bases a year, which is something I feel is important to have at the top of the lineup.

One advantage Upton has over Bourn is that he'll come at a cheaper price, which is something Liberty Media would love since we know how tight their wallets are.

Shane Victorino

This move would excite me for two reasons—Victorino would be a great player to put at the top of the lineup because he gets on base a lot and we'd be taking him away from the Phillies.

Who wouldn't like that?

The Flying Hawaiian has a .279 career average with a .344 career on-base percentage.

Although he won't steal 40 or more bases in a season, he'll still get around 30.

Plus, let's not forget he's a two-time Gold Glove winner, so there will be no question about his defense.

Juan Pierre

It's true that Pierre is going to be 35 next year, but you can't mistake his speed.

Case in point—two years ago, Pierre stole 68 bases. I'm sure he still has that speed in him.

Now, I'm not saying that he would be a permanent option, but maybe a one-year replacement until the Braves could find a free agent in the 2014 class or find one via trade.

After all, Rajai Davis and Jacoby Ellsbury will be free agents then.

Chris Young

The one thing that Chris Young provides is power and speed at the top of the lineup.

However, just like Upton, Young strikes out a lot and has a low batting average, but still has a decent on-base percentage.

His 20 home runs, 71 RBI and 22 stolen bases show he can do it all—well as long as he makes contact.

Young would be a perfect fit at the top of the lineup and would be a cheaper option than Bourn.