The Atlanta Braves have had a busy offseason that could get even busier in the next few weeks with the imminent trade of slugging outfielder Justin Upton. The question is when, not if the Braves will trade Upton, here is why:

Upton is in a contract year, and the Braves are rebuilding: Upton is entering the final year of the six-year, $50 million contract he signed while still a member of Arizona Diamondbacks in 2010. As a power-hitting, relatively young corner outfielder, he is due a significant payday on the open market that could reach the high eight figures. Given the direction of the team under new president John Hart, it seems unlikely that the Braves would be willing to reward Upton with a long-term extension. The more likely scenario would be for the team to seek a package of pitching prospects and draft picks in exchange for Upton to nurture over the next few seasons to ensure they open their new ballpark in 2017 with a quality rotation. The Braves have three corner outfielders for two spots: Assuming the Braves follow through with their plan to move catcher Evan Gattis to left field, they would have three corner outfielders to fill two positions in Gattis, Upton and the recently acquired Nick Markakis. Of the three, Upton is the odd man out. The Braves want to get Gattis’ bat in the lineup everyday and also make room for catching prospect Christian Bethancourt, so moving Gattis to left field (Upton’s current position) is the only feasible option. Gattis has a favorable contract and should produce more consistently at the plate as an outfielder than as a catcher, and Hart has said he would only trade Gattis if the offer is too good to pass up. The Braves took a risk in acquiring Nick Markakis from the Baltimore Orioles to fill the vacancy in right field left after the Jason Heyward trade as he is set to have neck surgery and make $44 million over the next four years, so he isn’t going anywhere. That leaves Upton without a position, and on the trading block. They appear to be stuck with the other Upton: In the same offseason that they acquired Justin Upton, they also signed his older brother B.J. to a five-year, $75.25 million contract to be their everyday center fielder for the foreseeable future. Not only has he vastly underperformed his contract, he hasn’t been their everyday center fielder either as players like Jordan Schafer and Emilio Bonifacio have also seen time at the position. His lack of production and contract situation make him virtually untradable, and because the Braves can’t move him, they probably won’t be able to afford to keep his brother.

Even with Upton, the Braves weren’t a good offensive team. To quote Hart, “Let’s be honest: This team finished 29th in offense.It’s not like I’m breaking up the ’27 Yankees.” Hart seems set on rebuilding the team, and Justin Upton doesn’t fit into his plan.