Atlanta Braves looking to sign a deal with Cody Ross - MLB Update
Outfielder Cody Ross has been approached by Atlanta Braves, according to reports.
Ever since retirement of their third baseman Chipper Jones, the Braves are in need of a replacement. By finding a reliable outfielder in the offseason, they can send their regular player of this position to third base.
Most probably left fielder, Martin Prado will man third base in case Ross is hired by Atlanta.
As per the initial reports, both the parties have not yet agreed fully on all the terms and conditions. Ross wants more money, something around $25 million for three years, whereas the Braves appear to be offering less than this amount.
Before Atlanta showed interest in Ross, Boston Red Sox were under negotiations with him.
As per the sources close to the matter, Red Sox could not finalise the deal because Ross asked for something that Boston were unwilling to grant. Their inability to clinch the deal led other clubs to join the market and talk to Ross for a possible agreement
with them.
Apart from Atlanta, there can be other teams ready to sign Ross, because a number of clubs confront issues with regard to their outfield this year.
As the offseason reaches its climax, a greater number of organisations will be active in the market in order to fetch the best possible deals.
Right now, the Braves see their roster weakened badly. Jones has left them and similarly their centre fielder Michael Bourn is on the brink of getting signed by any other club from the free agent market.
Other than this, their back-up catcher David Ross has parted ways with them, agreeing on a new contract with the Boston Red Sox.
Against this backdrop, the offseason gives the team time to respond to a range of loop-holes affecting their roster. Besides acquiring an outfielder which can be either Cody Ross or someone else, they need substitute catchers.
As the offseason progresses, it can be expected that the Braves bring new players on their roster.
It will be interesting to see as to how they respond to the demands of the outfielder Ross while doing contract negotiations with him.
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