Francoeur headed to Marlins in 3-team deal

PHOENIX -- The Braves have discussed bringing Jeff Francoeur back next year, but the veteran outfielder will spend the remainder of this season with the Marlins.
Extending the practice they've used during their rebuilding process of trying to get value for some of the veterans, the Braves participated in a three-team trade Wednesday that sent Francoeur and cash considerations to the Marlins. Atlanta gained a pair of Minor Leaguers -- utility man Dylan Moore from the Rangers and catcher Matt Foley.
The Rangers received three international bonus slots -- No. 37 and No. 97 from the Marlins and No. 93 from the Braves. These slots relate to the current international period. Thus the Braves' overage has increased, meaning they will pay a greater tax figure.   
"It's hard," Braves manager Brian Snitker said of trading Francoeur. "I remember it like it was yesterday, when I called him in and sent him to the big leagues for the first time [in 2005]. Then I had the privilege of managing him here, which I'll always cherish, because he's a great kid. He's one of the finest human beings I've ever been around. He's a great teammate and great in this clubhouse. We'll miss him." 
Francoeur enjoyed the opportunity to return to his hometown Braves this year, but his playing time has been significantly diminished since Matt Kemp was acquired from the Padres. Francoeur has totaled just 21 at-bats dating back to Aug. 2 -- the day Kemp debuted for Atlanta.
Before the Aug. 1 non-waiver Trade Deadline, the Braves were seeking teams' top 10 prospects in exchange for Francoeur. But with five weeks remaining in this season, they were willing to take a chance on Moore and Foley, neither of whom were ranked among the top 30 prospects in their former organizations by MLBPipeline.com.
It is not necessarily easy to gauge the potential value of Moore, because as he nears his second full professional season, he is a 24-year-old player who was not promoted to the Class A Advanced level until Aug. 4. He has batted .263 with 14 home runs and a .816 OPS while combining to compile 494 plate appearances with Class A Hickory and High Desert this season.
Moore has played every position this season except catcher. His primary position has been first base, but he spent most of 2015 as a second baseman.
Foley will likely simply provide always-needed organizational depth at the catching position. The 22-year-old, who was selected in the 40th round of the 2015 Draft, has totaled just 14 games while playing for Class A Batavia and the rookie level Gulf Coast League Marlins this year. He has batted .257 (9-for-35).
Francoeur was eligible to be traded because he cleared waivers earlier this month. The 32-year-old outfielder hit .249 with seven home runs and a .671 OPS over 257 at-bats for Atlanta this season. He has batted .273 against left-handed pitchers, but has gone 3-for-22 against them since the All-Star break.
The Braves purchased the contract of outfield prospect Brandon Snyder from Gwinnett and he'll take Francoeur's roster spot.