Braves, Kelly Johnson likely to reach deal

The Braves have maintained dialogue with free-agent infielder Kelly Johnson, according to a report from Mark Bowman of MLB.com. According to David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, a deal between the sides is likely at this point.

Am told there's better than 50/50 chance that versatile veteran Kelly Johnson returns to #Braves

— David O'Brien (@DOBrienAJC) January 5, 2016

Johnson, who turns 34 next month, may return to the Braves for a third stint with the club after spending time from Atlanta from 2005 to 2009 and returning for 62 games last season before being traded to the Mets. He has the ability to play every infield position and both corner outfield spots, making him valuable to a rebuilding team like the Braves.

Johnson has been linked to both the Nationals and Mets this offseason, though Washington's recent signings of Daniel Murphy and Stephen Drew will likely take them out of the running for Johnson. New York could look to bring back Johnson as a veteran option in its infield after losing Murphy to the Nationals.

Johnson is a veteran of ten major-league seasons with the Braves (2005-09, 2015), Diamondbacks (2010-11), Blue Jays (2011-12), Rays (2013), Yankees (2014), Red Sox (2014), Orioles (2014) and Mets (2015). He has appeared with six teams in the last three seasons and is a lifetime .251/.331/.424 hitter in 1,268 career games.