Braves expected to trade Justin Upton this offseason

Less than a week after shipping outfielder Jason Heyward to the Cardinals, the Braves appear poised to make another significant trade. According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, Atlanta is expected to deal Justin Upton at sometime this offseason, with one executive commenting that "Justin Upton will be moved".

According to Sherman, the Mariners, Astros and Rangers are three teams to watch on Upton, who is entering his final season before hitting free agency. Seattle has been linked to Upton for years and is in need of a power bat, and currently has a stock of pitching prospects that may be enough to get a deal done. Sherman notes that the Braves are asking for a steep return for Upton, and that they are looking for even more value than the combination of Shelby Miller and prospect Tyrell Jenkins that they received in the Heyward trade.

Upton can block trades to four teams- the Brewers, Cubs, Indians and Blue Jays- according to a recent report from Jon Morosi of FOXSports.com. Out of those clubs, Chicago appears to be the most likely team to pursue Upton due to their aggressive attitude this winter and need for an outfielder.

In addition, the Braves are said to be exploring deals involving Justin's brother, B.J., and Evan Gattis.