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According to a recent tweet from ESPN's Jayson Stark, the Braves are apparently on the hunt for young, controllable catching talent.
#Braves have let clubs know they're open to dealing from pitching prospect depth in a trade for a bat. They've asked about young catchers
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) July 3, 2015
Despite all indications prior to the beginning of the season that the Braves were in full rebuild mode for the 2017 season (when their new stadium is set to open), Atlanta has performed surprisingly well. They're three games under .500, but the Nationals have yet to run away with the division, and as a result the Braves are just five games back.
John Hart has done an amazing job filling their minor and major leagues with pitching depth, and consequently are in a position to part with some of it if they can acquire a young catcher to help with their future. A.J. Pierzynski is the current everyday player, but he's merely a place holder for a more permanent solution. The Braves had hoped Christian Bethancourt would be that solution, but he's proved incredibly inept at hitting major league pitching, and doesn't appear to be the answer.
Atlanta already checked in on the Brewers catcher, Jonathan Lucroy, but Milwaukee hasn't "expressed a willingness to move [him] as the trade deadline approaches." Last night, a report surfaced that the Red Sox are in the market for young and controllable pitchers, which makes a potential deal between these two teams seem possible.
Source: Sox eyeing younger pitchers under club control beyond 15 (translation: don't bank on Hamels, Cueto) http://t.co/JDEBvdmFE1 via @WEEI
— Rob Bradford (@bradfo) July 2, 2015
Boston may be unwilling to part with Blake Swihart, but Christian Vazquez could be a name that gets kicked around. He's currently on the DL after having to undergo Tommy John surgery, but that would likely lower the Red Sox' asking price in any potential discussions. The trade deadline is starting to heat up, and it's only a matter of time before the first major domino falls, and kicks off a flurry of moves.