Getting the Atlanta Braves Roster Ready For The Rule Five Draft

Who leaves?

There are six unrestricted free agents who won’t be on the roster unless the Braves  choose to sign them back after this season; Gordon Beckham, Joel De La Cruz, Jim Johnson, A.J. Pierzynski, Brandon Snyder and Blake Lalli.  Those signings are unlikely until after December fifth.

Unless my math is off that brings the roster down to 37 and others will probably leave and lower that number.

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Chaz Roe is arbitration eligible and out of options but unlikely to be tendered a contract before the rule 5 draft   Anthony Recker is arbitration eligible but as far as I can determine, out of options.

He’s 33 years old so It’s far more likely they will ask him to sign a minor league deal again after December fifth.  Keeping him requires a spot on the active roster next year. When they acquire the catcher upgrade they are openly seeking, Recker would have to pass through waivers to remain in the system.

Other arbitration eligible players include Casey Kelly and Brandon Cunniff.  I could see Cunniff being tendered a contract but the Kelly is probably nontendered.

Pre-Arb Players

Chase d’Arnaud is pre-arb but, he’s also of options. I’m not sure how they handle him but like Recker he’s probably nontendered and signed back later if he’s still available.

Daniel Winkler and Andrew McKirahan are pre-arb as well. I’ve already suggested they keep Winkler unless the elbow isn’t healing to their liking. McKirahan is probably safe under that criteria as well but that could go either way.

Those assumptions put the roster at 34 leaving six slots open for rule five protection but, who needs protection.

Next: More rules