Our State of the Atlanta Braves is Gone

Sep 3, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves center fielder B.J. Upton (2) hits a two-run home run in the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

The Money:

I’ve seen some try to chalk this offseason up as “just trying to save money.” And it’s true that the Braves have saved a literal boatload of immediate and future money with these trades, but that was just the added bonus. Evan Gattis was still pre arbitration eligible, meaning he was making somewhere around the league minimum. Jason Heyward was a steal at $7.8MM. Not a single move this offseason was financially motivated until now.  Losing BJ Upton’s money was invaluable to the future of the club.

But while we’re on the subject, let’s take a look at the payroll the Braves have shed this offseason.

Jason Heyward: 1 year, $7.8MM
Justin Upton: 1 year, $14.5MM
Evan Gattis: 4 years, estimated $20MM through arbitration
Craig Kimbrel: 3 years, $34MM/4 years, $46MM
Melvin Upton Jr.: 3 years, $46.35MM
Jordan Walden: 2 years, estimated $7MM through arbitration
David Carpenter: 3 years, estimated $8MM through arbitration

Please correct me if I missed anyone, because I did my best there.

And it’s true, the Braves did supplement some of these losses via the free agent market, like the $1.2MM owed to Jim Johnson this year; and the $8MM 2 year commitment to Jason Grilli.

They even took on $27MM on in the form of Cameron Maybin and Carlos Quentin (While still waiting for official word, Quentin looks like he will be designated for assignment, showing that the Braves took him on simply to simplify the exchanging of money for taking on Melvin). But this is still pennies to the dollar compared to what they saved. Also of note, Dan Uggla’s salary is off of the books next season. This increase in salary space only makes the future for free agents coming to Atlanta as bright as it could ever be for a mid market team.

Next: The Draft