The Arizona Diamondbacks, who are still in need of a center fielder, could look to add former Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Bourn.
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Bourn Could Add to Diamondbacks’ Outfield Depth
Sunday, April 3
On Sunday, MLB reporter Jon Morosi noted Bourn is among multiple options the Diamondbacks could add for depth in the outfield.
The Braves cut Bourn on Saturday despite owing him $14 million, per the Associated Press (h/t Fox Sports).
The 33-year-old journeyman has played for four teams in his 10-year career. Although he has just 31 career home runs, he has stolen 326 bases and earned two Gold Glove Awards.
Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said cutting Bourn was not an easy decision, per David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
[Releasing] Bourn was very, very difficult. It might have been the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. You spend so much time with them, and you care for both of those guys. [Emilio Bonifacio] played his first year in the big leagues for me, with the Marlins. There’s a personal attachment there. And you know with Mike Bourn how we feel about him in this organization and what he brings.
Arizona lists the 24-year-old Chris Owings as its starting center fielder, after A.J. Pollock suffered a fractured elbow, but he has played only shortstop and second base in his career.
David Peralta and Socrates Brito are the team’s backups. Peralta is slated to start in right field, and Brito has just 18 MLB games under his belt.
O’Brien said there is a chance that the Braves also could look to bring Bourn back.
“DFA’ing Bourn and Bonifacio ($1.25 million salary) instead of outright releasing them, there’s a chance the Braves could work out a trade for either and recoup some of the money they owe on those deals,” he wrote.
If Arizona jumps on Bourn first, he would be a solid veteran presence in the outfield, though he won’t be adding any power and hasn’t hit over .260 since 2013.
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