Braves close to trading Jim Johnson, per source

The Braves are moving toward a trade involving reliever Jim Johnson and have been close to moving him “for days,” according to a major-league source.

The Mets and Blue Jays are among the teams to show at least some interest in Johnson, according to sources, though it is unclear if they are still involved in talks.

Johnson’s ultimate destination is not yet known, but he does appear to be a low-cost fit for many clubs looking for back-end bullpen help. The price of relief pitching across baseball is described by industry insiders as extremely high in the wake of the blockbuster that sent Aroldis Chapman to the Cubs for four prospects.

Johnson, 33, has posted a 4.21 ERA in 36.1 innings with the Braves in his second stint with the club. Atlanta traded Johnson to the Dodgers at last year’s deadline before re-signing him to a 1-year deal over the winter.

Johnson is a veteran of 11 major-league seasons with five different clubs, and was an All-Star in 2012 with the Orioles. He is likely to soon join former Braves Jhoulys Chacin, Jason Grilli, Bud Norris, Lucas Harrell and Dario Alvarez in being shipped out of town this summer.