Tim Dierkes of MLBTradeRumors.com reports that the Braves are nearing a contract extension with Chris Johnson. Dierkes says the deal will extend the Braves' control of Johnson beyond his arbitration years. The financials are not yet known. The third baseman is making $4.75 million this season and had been set to hit free agency after the 2016 campaign. Johnson had a career year in 2013 with the Braves, batting .321/.358/.457 with 12 homers and 68 RBI. The timing of the extension is interesting given that he's off to a .231/.260/.330 start this season.