Braves rumors: Dexter Fowler, David Wright, Denard Span, Chase Headley

The Atlanta Braves must try to re-sign center fielder Michael Bourn, but it won’t be easy says Jim Bowden of ESPN. If they’re unable to do so, Bowden offers potential replacements for Bourn and third baseman Chipper Jones.

Bowden notes that Bourn is a Scott Boras client, which will make him even more difficult to lock up long-term. If they are unable to re-sign him, Bowden believes they have several options to target on the trade market this winter, including Ben Revere and Denard Span of the Minnesota Twins, Los Angeles Angels outfielder Peter Bourjos, Chris Young of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies center fielder Dexter Fowler, Cincinnati Reds outfielder Drew Stubbs and Texas Rangers outfielder Craig Gentry.

While Bourn’s future with the Braves is to be determined, long-time third baseman Chipper Jones announced his retirement. Bowden says Atlanta could either look for a new player to man the hot corner or they could shift Martin Prado from left field to third base and acquire an outfielder.

Bowden provides the following outfield and third base targets for the Braves; San Diego Padres third baseman Chase Headley, Mike Olt of the Texas Rangers, New York Mets third baseman David Wright, Nick Castellanos of the Detroit Tigers, Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado, Minnesota Twins outfielder Josh Willingham, Wil Myers and Alex Gordon of the Kansas City Royals and Miami Marlins outfielder/first baseman Logan Morrison.