For the third time in four seasons, the Atlanta Braves have lost an elite member of their team to free agency. This time, one of the heroes of the 2021 World Series, Max Fried, heads to the New York Yankees.
Of course, this isn't the first time the Braves are losing a star player to a bigger market (having to watch a former face of the franchise dominate in the World Series is still a fresh wound, after all), but how does it rank in terms of the biggest betrayals in team history?
From a scandalous offer sheet to an agent/player fall out, these are the biggest betrayals in Braves history.
Atlanta Braves betrayals that hurt the most in franchise history
Rafael Furcal
After the 2005 season, the 2000 Rookie of the Year left the team for the Dodgers, signing with L.A. for three-years and $39 million.
The shortstop's time in Atlanta was solid, putting up nearly 22 bWAR acorss the six seasons. He was a slightly below-average hitter (95 OPS+), but he was above-average on the base paths and on defense.
This departure wasn't the betrayal, however. That happened three years later.
Furcal, who had three solid seasons with Los Angeles, hit the free agent market again. The Braves, who were in the market for a middle infielder, offered him a three-year, $30 million deal. The infielder's agent, Paul Kinzer, then asked the Braves for a signed offer sheet.
In their eyes, this was a handshake agreement. Instead, Kinzer continued to negotiate with the Dodgers, potentially using the Braves offer as leverage to get Los Angeles to bump up their offer.
Furcal eventually decided to sign with the Dodgers for three more years for $30 million, with incentives.
The Braves were furious. John Schuerholz said, "Having been in this business for 40-some years, I've never seen anybody treated like that," and also said they'd never do business with the agency again.
Max Fried
Max Fried not staying staying loyal to the Braves wasn't shocking. After all, it was always assumed the lefty was looking for a big contract on the free agent market, one Atlanta wouldn't be willing to match.
Still, it hurts to watch the former anchor of the rotation leave in general, let alone for the Evil Empire. At eight years, it will hurt to watch the lefty saw off hitters for almost another decade in pinstripes.
A World Series ring, a playoff appearance in every full season he pitched in, and the star of the rotation for multiple seasons in a row with the Braves, but by the time he retires, he will be known as a New York Yankee.