The Atlanta Braves have officially announced their non-tender candidates for the upcoming season. This decision moves several players into free agency. Among those released are Griffin Canning, Ray Kerr, Royber Salinas, Huascar Ynoa, and Ramón Laureano. This signals a mix of financial strategy and roster reconfiguration as the team looks ahead. Here’s the lowdown on each player and what their departure might mean for the Braves.
Griffin Canning: A Quick Goodbye
Canning’s time with the Braves was fleeting—less than a month. He was acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Angels that sent Jorge Soler west, a move now being hailed as a savvy salary dump. Despite his potential, Canning’s performance last season didn’t inspire confidence. A 5.19 ERA across 32 appearances (31 starts) placed him firmly on the bubble. With a projected $5.4 million salary for 2024, the Braves decided he wasn’t worth the investment.
Ray Kerr: A One-and-Done Stint
Kerr, a lefty reliever, had an unimpressive debut season with Atlanta. His 5.64 ERA in 10 appearances at the big-league level and a 4.50 ERA during his time at Triple-A Gwinnett didn’t make a strong case for retention. He was set to earn $800,000 next season—a manageable figure—but his lack of consistency likely sealed his fate.
Royber Salinas: A Familiar Face, Briefly Reunited
Salinas’ journey with the Braves has been a rollercoaster. Once a top-30 prospect in Atlanta’s system, he was dealt to Oakland in the Sean Murphy trade before being reclaimed off waivers earlier this month. Despite flashes of promise, the team opted to let him go again, perhaps indicating limited faith in his long-term potential. He, too, was projected to make $800,000 in 2024.
Huascar Ynoa: Injuries Take Their Toll
Injuries potentially undo Ynoa’s story. The right-hander’s last outing in Atlanta came back in April 2022. While he showed promise in 2021 with 18 appearances, recurring setbacks made his return uncertain. With a projected salary of $825,000, the Braves decided it was time to move on.
Ramón Laureano: A Tough Call for the Braves
Laureano’s release raises the most eyebrows among the group. He was acquired midseason to bolster an injury-depleted roster. Laureano made an immediate impact, slashing .296/.327/.505 with 10 homers and 29 RBIs. His projected salary of $6.37 million apparently didn’t align with Atlanta’s offseason plans despite his production. The presence of outfielders Jarred Kelenic and Eli White—both rumored to be staying—may have influenced the decision. It’s also possible the Braves are freeing up funds for a larger move in free agency.
What’s Next for the Atlanta Braves?
By non-tendering these players, the Braves are creating financial flexibility to address other needs this offseason. Laureano’s departure, in particular, hints at a possible shakeup in the outfield. The decision to cut pitchers like Canning and Ynoa also signals a renewed focus on bolstering the rotation and bullpen.
These moves are as much about financial strategy as they are about performance. With key areas to address and an ambitious eye on the postseason, Atlanta is clearly playing the long game.
