Just a few days after dealing Derek Lowe to the Indians, Atlanta Braves general manager Frank Wren publicly stated the organization could deal Martin Prado or Jair Jurrjens if the correct deal comes along. MLB.com's Mark Bowman was the first to report the story.
There are multiple incentives for Wren should he be able to find a suitor for either player. Not only would it clear up some room in the budget for a new shortstop or left fielder -- Prado and Jurrjens will earn approximately $5 million dollars a piece in 2012 -- but it could also fetch highly touted prospects.
The Kansas City Royals are a team rumored to be very interested in Jurrjens and Prado. Dayton Moore, the current GM of the Royals, worked in Atlanta's front office for multiple years under John Schuerholz and has brought back many former Braves to Kansas City. Jeff Francoeur, Kyle Davies and Bruce Chen are some of these players, and there are many others as well.
Dealing Prado or Jurrjens would not come without risk. If Prado is dealt, the team has an immediate void at third base when Chipper Jones inevitably goes down with an injury. It also means the Braves would need to find an everyday left fielder.
If Jurrjens is dealt, the team loses yet another candidate for the starting rotation. While Julio Teheran or Randall Delgado could fill in to replace him, both are unproven and Fredi Gonzalez may not feel comfortable with the lack of depth, especially if Tommy Hanson continues to be bothered by an injured shoulder.
Nothing is eminent, but it appears Wren is aggressively looking around the market. Do not be surprised if Martin Prado or Jair Jurrjens are not members of the Atlanta Braves in 2012.