B.J. Upton meets with Atlanta Braves Officials

B.J. Upton visited Atlanta and met with Braves general manager Frank Wren and manager Fredi Gonzalez tonight, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com.

The Braves welcomed Upton to Turner Field on Thursday to provide the talented outfielder a better sense of how much they are hoping that he chooses to play in Atlanta next year. Wren and manager Fredi Gonzalez were both present for the meeting.

Earlier today, it was reported Upton was Atlanta's top priority on the free agent market. The 28-year-old hit .246/.298/.454 with 28 home runs and 31 stolen bases for the Tampa Bay Rays last season.

In his first full season back in 2007, Upton hit .300/.386/.508 but has never come close to those numbers. The No. overall pick of the 2002 MLB Draft, Upton has largely been considered a disappointment over his eight seasons in Tampa.

That's not going to stop him from becoming very rich this offseason.

Still, given his youth and power/speed combo, "Bossman Junior" still has plenty he brings to the table. Upton led the American League with 10 outfield assists and was behind only Mike Trout in Power-Speed #. The Norfolk, Va. native made $7 million in 2012 and rejected a one-year $13.3 million offer from the Rays last week.

The Braves are looking to replace Michael Bourn, who is also a free agent, in center field. The Braves could face competition from the division rival Philadelphia Phillies in their pursuit of Upton.