The Atlanta Braves spent more than $45 million on a bullpen that was its strength during the shortened 2020 season.
Four of the most-used relief pitchers on the Braves’ roster have expiring contracts this offseason. Closer Mark Melancon (22-2/3 innings, 2-1, 11 saves, 2.78 ERA), Shane Greene (27-2/3 innings, 1-0, 2.60 ERA) and Josh Tomlin (39-2/3 innings, 2-2, 4.76 ERA) among them.
Melancon pointed to his impending departure in a tweet Monday, thanking Atlanta fans for their support. “This has been one of the most memorable experiences of my life. Thank you,” he wrote.
Another potential free agent, outfielder Marcell Ozuna, also sent his regards to Braves fans on social media. He wrote on Instragram, in part: “Thank you for accepting me, and for allowing me to play for you in 2020. I am very disappointed that we fell short of our goal of bringing a World Series title to the city of Atlanta. But despite not reaching our ultimate objective, I am proud of what we accomplished together.”
Not all of the Braves’ potential free agents were expected to return. Some, like Pablo Sandoval, were intended as short-term rentals. Some, like Felix Hernandez, opted out of the season because of COVID-19 concerns. (Outfielder Nick Markakis opted out, but returned.) Some, made the Braves' 60-man pool but never reached the majors. Others, like Cole Hamels never produced. (Hamels, 37, signed a one-year, $18 million deal but was limited to 3-1/3 innings of work as he battled season-long shoulder and triceps injuries that have prevented him from pitching in games.)
Here’s a look at the players (and what they made) with expiring contracts this offseason:
Position players
- Tyler Flowers, 35, C: $4 million
- Adeiny Hechavarria, 32, SS: $1 million
- Nick Markakis, 37, RF: $4 million
- Marcell Ozuna, 30, LF: $18 million
- Pablo Sandoval, 34, 3B: $563,500
- Yangervis Solarte, 33, 3B: $1 million
Starting pitchers
- Cole Hamels, 37, P: $18 million
- Felix Hernandez, 35, SP: $1 million
- Tom Milone, 34, SP: $1 million
Relief pitchers
- Jhoulys Chacin, 33, P: $1.6 million
- Shane Greene, 32, RP: $6.25 million
- Mark Melancon, 36, RP: $19 million
- Darren O’Day*, 38, RP: $3.5 million
- Chris Rusin, 34, RP: $575,000
- Josh Tomlin, 36, RP: $1 million
Players playing on expiring contracts in 2021:
- Travis d’Arnaud, C
- Freddie Freeman, 1B
- Ender Inciarte, OF
* — Club option for 2021
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