Braves Free Agency: Atlanta 'Not Holding Out Hope' To Re-Sign Michael Bourn

If you're a believer in WAR, then you're a big believer in Michael Bourn. Atlanta's centerfielder is fourth in the National League in WAR so far this year, trailing MVP candidates Andrew McCutchen (5.9), David Wright (5.8) and Ryan Braun (5.5). Bourn is next in line at 5.1, thanks in large part to his defensive skills.

Bourn, though, is set to hit free agency after the 2012 season, and is likely in line for a large payday. According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, the Braves aren't expecting to get a deal done with Bourn after the season.

The Braves aren't holding out much hope that they can re-sign Bourn when he becomes a free agent. They don't seem to do well with Scott Boras clients, which also seems to rule out any bid for Jacoby Ellsbury this offseason.

Boras clients are known to test the market and take the largest deal possible, which could very well rule the Braves out. If Bourn does leave, the Braves will be faced with the difficult task of replacing one of the best players in baseball and a legend in Chipper Jones in the same offseason.

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