As MLB award season buzzes on, the offseason grind shifts into high gear, with teams like the Atlanta Braves making pivotal roster decisions. While Braves ace Chris Sale continues adding accolades to his shelf, Atlanta fans are eyeing the next big date on the calendar: the non-tender deadline on November 22nd at 6 p.m. EST.
This critical deadline forces teams to decide whether to offer contracts to arbitration-eligible players. A player non-tendered by their team is removed from the 40-man roster and becomes a free agent. This is often a budgetary or strategic move for clubs to allocate resources more effectively.
Who’s Likely Staying Safe
Three Braves players seem like locks to stay on the roster:
- Ramon Laureano: Laureano’s standout performance in 2024 solidified his value. With a reasonable $3.5 million projected arbitration salary, his defensive skills and power bat make him an easy decision for Atlanta.
- Dylan Lee: At just $1.2 million expected for 2025, Lee is a cost-effective bullpen piece. His versatility as a lefty reliever makes him an asset the Braves are unlikely to part with.
- Jarred Kelenic: Kelenic, acquired last offseason, has five years of control remaining and showed flashes of his potential in 2024. His projected role in the outfield is all but guaranteed his spot.
Players on the Braves Bubble
Eli White
A speedy outfielder with a projected $800k salary, White filled a niche role as a defensive replacement and pinch-runner. Despite batting .282 in 25 games, Atlanta’s crowded outfield depth, including Laureano and Kelenic, may leave Eli White as the odd man out.
Huascar Ynoa
Once considered a rising star, Huascar Ynoa has been sidelined by injuries, including persistent elbow issues. With an expected $825k arbitration figure and a 6.37 ERA over just 29.2 innings in 2024, the Braves may finally cut ties with the right-hander to open a roster spot.
Griffin Canning
Acquired in the Jorge Soler trade, Canning provided innings stability, logging over 170 frames last season. However, his 5.19 ERA and a projected $5.1 million arbitration salary put him on shaky ground. While his durability is valuable, the Braves may seek more upside through trades or free agency at a similar cost.
What’s Next for the Atlanta Braves?
While fans anticipate offseason moves like trades and free-agent signings, the non-tender deadline is often the first domino to fall. Atlanta’s decision to non-tender players like White, Ynoa, or Canning could open the door for new acquisitions or allow the Braves to reallocate funds to bigger-ticket items.
With a strong core intact and the front office known for its intelligent decision-making, Atlanta Braves fans should trust the process as Atlanta fine-tunes its roster for 2025.
