The Chicago Cubs on the verge of trading first baseman Derrek Lee to the Atlanta Braves, according to multiple reports. Lee is in the last year of his contract with the Cubs, and earlier this year vetoed a trade to the Los Angeles Angels. Why he would now decide not to exercise his no-trade rights and permit a trade to the Braves is unclear, but this rumor has legs. In fact, sources are indicating that Lee would indeed waive his no-trade clause to head to the Braves.
The Braves are expected to assume much of Lee’s remaining 2010 salary (having passed on signing some high cost draft picks earlier this week), which is about $3 million, and the Cubs aren’t expected to get much in the way of prospects.