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St. Louis Cardinals: 5 Realistic Trade Deadline Candidates

By Patrick Karraker

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Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

3. Kelly Johnson, UTIL, Atlanta Braves

Making $1.5M in 2015, FA in 2016

Johnson would kill two birds with one stone for the Cardinals; he’d be a lefthanded hitting option at first base, and since he’s also seen action at second base, third base, and the corner outfield spots this season, he’d also be an upgrade over Pete Kozma as a super-utility player. After several years of struggles, Johnson has had a major resurgence in 2015, hitting .282/.326/.792 with nine homers and 34 RBI in 174 at-bats. He’s a free agent after this season and may retire, so he would likely be a low-cost rental if the Braves are in sell mode.

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    • Johnson wouldn’t be the everyday first baseman that many Cardinals fans are hoping to get at the deadline, but he’s been effective enough in 2015 that he could split starts with Mark Reynolds and help bridge the gap, either until Matt Adams is ready to return or until Stephen Piscotty is fit to assume the position in 2016. If pressed into duty at second or third base, he also wouldn’t be the automatic out that Kozma has been for much of the season.

    It’s debatable how difficult it would be to make this trade come to fruition; with 72 games to play, the Braves are still well in range for a Wild Card spot, sitting five games back entering play on Saturday. In addition, he’s 33 years old and has been in the big leagues since 2005. This offseason, Johnson returned to the Braves, the organization with which he debuted and spent his first five seasons, and seeing as he’s settled in Atlanta with his three kids, he’d probably like to close out his career with the Braves. It’s not as if Johnson has a no-trade clause or anything, but he took a leap of faith by signing a minor-league deal with Atlanta this offseason, and Braves GM John Hart should be willing to listen to his needs. At the same time, it might be nice for him to have such a great chance to go to the World Series in the twilight of his career, especially since Johnson has yet to participate in a Fall Classic.

    Next: 2. Mark Lowe

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