Former Phillies outfielder Michael Bourn is headed back to the National League East.
According to New York Post baseball columnist Joel Sherman, Bourn, along with outfielder Nick Swisher and cash considerations, have been dealt to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for 30-year-old infielder Chris Johnson.
#Braves getting Bourne, Swisher and cash for Johnson to #Indians. That is the deal
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) August 7, 2015
Bourn, 32, was drafted in the fourth round of the 2003 amateur draft by the Phillies. In two seasons donning red pinstripes, the Houston-native batted .268/.340/.362 with 31 runs scored, 34 hits, three doubles, three triples, one home run, six runs-batted-in, and 19 stolen bases over 122 games.
On November 7, 2007, Bourn, right hander Geoff Geary, and once-touted organizational prospect Mike Costanzo were dealt to the Houston Astros in exchange for eventual 2008 World Series champions, closer Brad Lidge and utility infielder Eric Bruntlett.
While an Astro, Bourn earned his first career All-Star appearance in 2010 and was named a Gold Glove Award winner twice. He led the National League in stolen bases both in 2009 and 2010, with 61 and 52 swipes respectively.
Nearly four years ago, on July 31, 2011, Bourn was dealt to the Atlanta Braves, along with cash, for Juan Abreu, Paul Clemens, Brett Oberholtzer and Jordan Schafer.
Bourn earned his second and most recent Mid-Summer classic appearance as a Brave in 2012, batting .311/.366/.451 with 33 walks and 25 stolen bases prior to the event. He signed with the Cleveland Indians that offseason, and has remained up until today's transaction.
In 2014, Bourn led the American League in triples, 10.
Since departing the New York Yankees after the 2012 season, Swisher's career in Cleveland never lived up to expectations. Over 272 games as an Indian, Swisher struck-out (273) in 23.8% of his total plate appearances (1,146), combing for 32 home runs and 113 runs-batted-in.
Swisher, 34, has ailed from inflammation in his surgically-repaired left knee this season, and has disappointed with just two home runs and eight-runs-batted-in over 30 games and 111 plate appearances. His contract still has $15 million left on it next season, and a $14 million vesting option for 2017 if he gets 550 plate appearances in 2016 and passes a physical.
The only player heading to Cleveland, infielder Chris Johnson, has too performed below expectations this season with just two home runs and 11 runs-batted-in over 56 games and 162 plate appearances.
Just two seasons ago, Johnson was among the league's best at the hot corner, batting .321/.358/.457 with 34 doubles. He still has a combined $16.5 million left in his salary in 2016 and 2017, as well as a $10 million team option or a $1 million buyout for 2018.
The Braves will have to pick up Bourn's $14 million salary next season, as well as a $12 million vesting option for 2017 if he accumulates 550 plate appearances in 2016.
Matt Rappa (@mattrappasports) is managing editor of Philliedelphia.com.
