Gory payroll numbers
The Braves CBT payroll would increase to $258.6M, putting the team above the second tier and more than $20M above the first CBT tier. According to an AP story in early September, the Braves are first-time payors, so they would pay:
- A 30% tax on their $25.6M overage ($7.68M),
- A 12% surcharge ($3.07M because they exceeded the basic threshold but more than $20M, and
- Have their first pick in the 2023 Rule 4 draft moved back ten picks, i.e., from 20 to 30.
That example shows why they want to stay under $253M. The Braves’ success comes from building a strong farm system, which makes a lower draft pick as impactful as the extra $7M they pay because they passed the 253 mark.
It’s also doubtful that the club signs a player who rejected a qualifying offer because losing two draft picks and $1M in international pool money hit at the heart of rebuilding the farm system.
Can the Atlanta Braves Lower payroll?
The Braves have few moves available to lessen the impact of those theoretical signings. Trading Manny Piña makes sense because the d’Arnaud-Contreras tag-team works so well, he’s out of options, and he’s a well-thought-of catcher in a market that needs them.
However, Eric wrote about the Braves’ interest in Sean Murphy, so it’s possible they could trade Pena and d’Arnaud and acquire Murphy to save about $9M. I doubt it happens because Murphy will bring the Athletics more from other teams than the Braves are likely to offer, but why would you check on him if it wasn’t an option?
That’s a wrap
The Atlanta Braves face the hardest part of becoming a perennial championship contender, rebuilding the farm system with enough high-ceiling talent to add depth while keeping the 26-man roster manned with championship-caliber players,
Fans clamored for the Braves to open the checkbook, and when the time was right, they did. Now comes the hard part.