MLB Trade: Mets get Kelly Johnson back from Braves

The Mets have acquired Kelly Johnson from the Atlanta Braves

According to the New York Post, the Atlanta Braves have traded second baseman Kelly Johnson to the Mets for minor league pitcher Akeel Morris.

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Johnson was a part of the Mets’ team last season that won the NL pennant and made a run to the World Series. After arriving on July 24th last year, Johnson hit .250 with five home runs and 13 RBIs as a Metropolitan. This year with the Braves, he is struggling, batting .215 with only one home run and ten RBIs.

Akeel Morris is a pitcher for the Mets’ Double-A Binghamton squad. The 23-year old is averaging 12.8 strikeouts per nine innings.

This trade comes at a very busy time for the Mets. They acquired James Loney to play first base after learning Lucas Duda will miss time. They lose Juan Lagares to a thumb injury and David Wright to a neck injury, which will cause him to miss a significant amount of time. The Mets hope that this move will help their offense get going at a time when they desperately need it.

There has been talk about moving Neil Walker over to third base and have Johnson play second, but that will most likely not be the case. Johnson will likely split time with Wilmer Flores over at third. Johnson will face right-handed pitchers with Flores getting the nod against the tough lefties.

If nothing else, Johnson is 34 years old and is a league veteran. He will provide good leadership on the field and in the clubhouse for a team that is struggling to find themselves.

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