Report: Atlanta Braves Interested in Josh Hamilton

Alright, the hotstove is starting and it's just as expected.

According to CBS Sports' Danny Knobler, the Atlanta Braves are "intrigued" by Texas Rangers' Josh Hamilton. Hamilton is suspected to go into free agency this offseason and the first fish seems to be biting. With Chipper Jones' retirement and Michael Bourn most likely to sign with another team, the Braves are looking fill the hole with the hottest player on the market.

Hamilton, 31, can talk to teams about offers starting at midnight. The Rangers have given a qualifying offer to Hamilton. The offer is slightly below the $13.75 million that Hamilton received in 2012. He is expected to decline it by Nov. 9. The Rangers would get a compensatory pick in next year's MLB draft. Hamilton could be entering free-agency after playing four seasons with the Texas Rangers.

Hamilton batted .285 with 43 home runs and 128 RBI in 2012. Although his numbers have decreased since his MVP 2010 season, Hamilton will be the most-watched player on the market this winter.

What does this mean for the Phillies?

If this goes through, which it is just speculation, the NL East will become even more of a powerhouse division and the Phillies better get ready.