MLB trade rumors: Braves place Jim Johnson, R.A. Dickey on revocable trade waivers

The Braves have placed starting pitcher R.A. Dickey and reliever Jim Johnson on revocable trade waivers, as Peter Gammons of MLB Network reported Wednesday.

While many players go through the revocable waiver process in August and few are actually moved, it seems likely that Atlanta will try to move Dickey, 42, and Johnson, 34, if another team is interested. Neither has pitched exceptionally well this year, as Dickey has a 4.08 ERA and 1.39 WHIP with 90 strikeouts and 52 walks in 128 innings, while Johnson has a 4.09 ERA and 1.25 WHIP with 52 strikeouts and 16 walks in 44 innings and was recently removed from the Braves’ closer role.

Despite their relative mediocrity this season, both pitchers are former All-Stars with long histories of success, and with several contenders still looking to add back-of-the-rotation and bullpen options for the stretch run, maybe a team is willing to take a bet on their past success and hope that they can turn the magic on again in August and September.

Dickey is making $7.5 million this season with an $8 million club option (which includes a $500,000 buyout) for next year, while Johnson is earning $4.5 million this season and will be paid the same salary in 2018.