Braves Rumors: Atlanta in Slight Lead to Sign B.J. Upton

B.J. Upton is the subject of a bidding war, and the Atlanta Braves are currently the favorites to land him, according to Jim Bowden of ESPN.

Braves-Phillies in fascinating bidding war for BJ Upton with mystery team...Braves considered in slight lead with final offers due this week

— JIM BOWDEN (@JimBowdenESPNxm) November 25, 2012

Upton is expected to make his decision this week, and has also drawn interest from the Washington Nationals. The Braves center fielder over the past season and a half has been Michael Bourn, who is also a free agent this offseason.

The Braves rolled out the red carpet for Upton earlier this month, as the 28-year-old met with owner Frank Wren, manager Fredi Gonzalez and even franchise icon Bobby Cox.

Upton hit .246/.298/.454 with 28 home runs and 31 stolen bases for the Tampa Bay Rays last season. The Braves haven't typically been major players in free agency in recent seasons, but Chipper Jones' retirement and the expected departure of Bourn has cleared up over $20 million of payroll.