For the second consecutive season, National League rivals have swapped infielder Kelly Johnson mid-year. The Atlanta Braves sent Johnson back to the New York Mets on Wednesday for a minor league player and cash.
The Braves and Mets made a similar trade last season, making Johnson the second player to be a part of something like this. Chad Kreuter was traded from the White Sox to the Angels in 1997 and 1998.
It was the same situation both seasons, as the Braves struggles grew and the Mets have their eyes set on October. This year, the amount of injuries added to the New York's need for an addition. Johnson is a very valuable utility player, which kept New York's eyes on him. The veteran will join the team on Friday in Milwaukee.
The likes of David Wright, Travis d'Arnuad, and Lucas Duda are all out for an extended period of time, which has lead to the offense's struggles. They rank last in the majors in on-base percentage and runs per game since May 12th. The plan is to use Johnson at third base to platoon with Wilmer Flores while Wright heals up.
After being dealt to the Mets last July, the 34-year old re-signed with Atlanta in January on a one-year, $2 million contract. He is hitting just .215 this season with one home run and 10 RBIs in 121 at-bats this year. New York manager Terry Collins is hopeful that an increase in playing time will lead to an increase in his production.
Hope is all the Mets' offense can hang on to with the way this season has gone for them, as they look to stick around for a second consecutive World Series run.
The Braves and Mets made a similar trade last season, making Johnson the second player to be a part of something like this. Chad Kreuter was traded from the White Sox to the Angels in 1997 and 1998.
It was the same situation both seasons, as the Braves struggles grew and the Mets have their eyes set on October. This year, the amount of injuries added to the New York's need for an addition. Johnson is a very valuable utility player, which kept New York's eyes on him. The veteran will join the team on Friday in Milwaukee.
The likes of David Wright, Travis d'Arnuad, and Lucas Duda are all out for an extended period of time, which has lead to the offense's struggles. They rank last in the majors in on-base percentage and runs per game since May 12th. The plan is to use Johnson at third base to platoon with Wilmer Flores while Wright heals up.
After being dealt to the Mets last July, the 34-year old re-signed with Atlanta in January on a one-year, $2 million contract. He is hitting just .215 this season with one home run and 10 RBIs in 121 at-bats this year. New York manager Terry Collins is hopeful that an increase in playing time will lead to an increase in his production.
Hope is all the Mets' offense can hang on to with the way this season has gone for them, as they look to stick around for a second consecutive World Series run.
