Report: Braves could be 'stealth landing spot' for Dozier
Throughout the majority of the offseason, Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier has been rumored as a trade target of the Los Angeles Dodgers, but it appears another suitor could be interested in the 29-year-old.
A source with direct knowledge of the trade negotiations told Mike Berardino of the Twin Cities Pioneer Press not to rule out the Atlanta Braves as a "stealth landing spot" for Dozier.
The Braves seem like a logical fit after reports surfaced Thursday that they were trying to acquire second baseman Brandon Phillips - who vetoed a trade - from the Cincinnati Reds in November.
Atlanta also possesses a slew of talented pitchers, who the Twins may be interested in, such as Matt Wisler and Aaron Blair, and will be moving into a new stadium beginning next season. Any offer the Braves make would have to outweigh a reported Dodgers bid containing highly touted pitching prospect Jose De Leon.
In preparation for their arrival at their new building, the Braves have acquired a number of veteran players, including Bartolo Colon, R.A. Dickey, and Jaime Garcia, and signed Ender Inciarte long term, which comes months after they acquired Matt Kemp from the San Diego Padres.
Adding the power-hitting Dozier to a lineup that finished 37-35 in the second half after starting the year 31-58 would be a serious boost, after the Mississippi native hit .268/.340/.546 with 42 home runs and 99 RBIs last season.
Dozier is also under a team-friendly contract that will pay him $15 million over the next two seasons.