Evan Gattis Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz and Speculation Surrounding Braves C

Atlanta Braves catcher Evan Gattis might be leaving the team, as the talented youngster is the target of numerous teams in need of help behind the plate. However, Braves general manager John Hart stated the team is "not active right now with Gattis." Despite reports that the team had talked with the Texas Rangers regarding the catcher, later reports indicated that teams who had negotiated with the Braves were confident Atlanta would keep him. 

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Tuesday, Dec. 9

Rangers Remain Interested for Right Price

TR Sullivan of MLB.com provides an update on the Rangers' pursuit of Gattis:

Other Teams Confident Braves Will Keep Gattis

ESPN's Buster Olney Reports that teams seem sure the Braves are keeping their sweet-swinging catcher next season:

Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal confirmed that report:

Monday, Dec. 8

Rangers Interested in Gattis

Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports that the Braves and Texas Rangers have engaged in trade talks surrounding Evan Gattis:

"

How’s this for creative: The Rangers and Atlanta Braves may be discussing a deal for a power bat, but it’s not Justin Upton.

Instead it may be Forney’s Evan Gattis, who was believed to be off the market as the meetings began.

According to major league sources, Braves officials gathered Monday for a hastily-arranged strategy session to scour the Rangers farm system. The clubs were scheduled to talk later Monday.

"

Grant went on to explain how this would impact the Braves: 

"

For Atlanta, considering Gattis might be a way to get the Rangers to part with a package that starts with one of the team’s dynamic starting pitching prospects, right-handers Jake Thompson or Alex “Chi-Chi” Gonzalez. The Rangers had no interest in putting one of the prospects in a deal for Upton, who can take free agency after the 2015 season. Also, it would be hard for the Rangers to make Upton’s $14.5 million salary fit in the team’s payroll and still address the need for pitching.

"

Sunday, Nov. 30

Hart Speaks on Gattis' Status Within Braves

ESPN's Jim Bowden provided a synopsis of Braves general manager John Hart discussing Gatis' status on MLB Network Radio Sirius 209 XM 89:

However, John Hickey of the Bay Area News Group stated on Friday the Brave and A's were discussing a trade:

Wednesday, Nov. 26

Marlins Hunting Gattis as First Baseman

According to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald, the Miami Marlins have joined the race for Evan Gattis:

"

Determined to upgrade over Garrett Jones at first base, the Marlins have begun exploring trades. Colleague Clark Spencer and I confirmed that the Marlins are interested in Atlanta’s Evan Gattis and Clark was told they also have inquired about Baltimore’s Chris Davis. Both Gattis and Davis are 28.

Gattis --– who is primarily an outfielder and catcher but has played a bit at first --- hit .263 with 22 homers and 52 RBI last season and isn’t eligible for free agency until after 2018.

"

Tuesday, Nov. 11

Price Tag Revealed for Evan Gattis

ESPN's Buster Olney reported on Evan Gattis' price tag:

Monday, Nov. 10

The Atlanta Braves lost former star catcher Brian McCann to free agency last season. Now, his replacement, Evan Gattis, may be the next to go.   

According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, Atlanta is looking to trade the 28-year-old catcher:

Gattis will be entering his third season in the majors. He spent his first two seasons with the Braves, amassing a .253 batting average, 43 home runs and 117 RBI in 213 games. While Gattis isn’t the best fielding catcher in the league, his offensive production would be a valuable asset to an American League team needing a designated hitter who can also play the field.

After improving his batting average 20 points over the last year and hitting at least 20 home runs in each of his first two seasons, any team with a need for a catcher or a DH should be kicking the tires on Gattis.

*Stats via MLB.com.