The Atlanta Braves didn't have a lot to do at this year's arbitration deadline so it was rather uneventful. There were only two players that were eligible for arbitration so it was rather easy for Atlanta to complete the process.
Jarred Kelenic settled on a $2.3 million contract earlier for the 2025 season and that's a great deal for Kelenic considering how last season went for the talented outfielder. Expectations were high when Atlanta traded for him before the 2024 season but he struggled. Hopefully, 2025 is a better season for him.
Braves avoid arbitration with Dylan Lee and Jarred Kelenic for 2025 season
The second player the Braves needed to settle with was lefty reliever Dylan Lee. Both sides were able to reach an agreement and Lee will earn $1.025 million in 2025. MLB Trade Rumors had Kelenic projected to make $2.3 million while they expected Lee to earn $1.2 million. So, both players were paid well considering they both earned the MLB league minimum salary in 2024.
The Braves will not have any arb hearings this year https://t.co/jTNfEFc7wC
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) January 9, 2025
Eli White was included in MLB Trade Rumors' arbitration projections, but he wasn't eligible this offseason.
Lee will likely be one of Atlanta's go-to bullpen options in 2025 as he impressed in 2024. He posted a 2.11 ERA over 59.2 innings with 17 walks and 76 strikeouts. A.J. Minter's potential loss makes Lee all the more important. Although, it's important to mention that the Braves have been linked to free agent lefty Tanner Scott to fill that void.
According to Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the team's agreements with both players now has Atlanta's cash payroll sitting around $200 million ($217MM luxury tax). Toscano expanded further, "The Braves have around $24 million to spend before surpassing the $241 million luxury-tax threshold. They’d reset their luxury-tax penalties if they don’t hit it."
It remains to be seen if the team feels comfortable going over the luxury-tax threshold for a third season but they still have unmet needs to address. With how expensive free agent contracts have become, they may have to get creative if that's the concern. Regardless of how the rest of the offseason plays out, Atlanta secured two important pieces to the puzzle.