Atlanta Braves Trade Jeff Francoeur to Miami Marlins

The Miami Marlins have acquired Jeff Francoeur a veteran outfielder from the Atlanta Braves in a deal that involved three teams with the Texas Rangers being the third team.

Dylan Moore an infielder in the minor leagues was traded to Atlanta from Texas and Matt Foley a catcher in the minor leagues went to the Braves from Miami.

As part of this trade, Atlanta will send Miami nearly $105,000 to offset the contract of Francoeur. Texas obtained a part of international signing slots from the Marlins and one from the Braves.

Any player in the big leagues traded after August 1 must first clear waivers.

Francoeur hugged coaches and teammates on the Braves in the visitor’s dugout during a game at Arizona on Wednesday. Brian Snitker the interim manager of the Braves called the trade difficult saying Francoeur was one of the nicest people he had ever been around.

Francoeur, who is 32, made the opening day Braves roster with a strong spring training. He was clear that he would not accept any assignment to an affiliate in Triple-A.

At the time of the trade, he had a .249 batting average with 7 homers and 33 runs batted in.

The Marlins are in contention for a wildcard spot in the National League and it is not certain whether Giancarlo Stanton their star outfielder will be back this season after suffering a severe strained groin.

Moore was selected by Texas in the 2015 draft in the seventh round, while Foley was picked in the 40th round.

Francoeur was given a contract for one-year for $1 million when he made the roster for the Braves. The contract included performance bonuses worth up to $1 million for playing time.

Following a strong rookie season with Atlanta that was followed by two consecutive seasons with 100 plus RBIs, the production from Francoeur dipped before being traded in 2009 to the Mets.

He then played for five other teams before he returned to Atlanta who liked his 2015 numbers with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Billy Ryan the assistant general manager for the Braves said Francoeur’s experience and presence was very helpful in the dugout this season.

Now Francoeur will have the opportunity to have a few meaningful at bats for a team that is in contention for the postseason.