Braves Face Tough Choices: Chris Sale’s $18 Million Option at the Forefront
As the offseason approaches, the Atlanta Braves are gearing up for critical decisions regarding their roster. Among them, the fate of several players with club options looms large, with one name in particular likely to send shockwaves through the MLB community.
Navigating Club Options
With the dawn of the offseason, the Braves will evaluate which players they want to retain. The spotlight is on those with club options, as the organization weighs its options carefully. While most decisions are straightforward, one stands out as particularly complex: Chris Sale’s $18 million option.
Chris Sale’s Remarkable Performance
Sale’s case is compelling. Despite facing injury setbacks, he has rebounded impressively this season. After a sluggish start in April, the veteran left-hander showcased his classic form, posting a remarkable 1.76 ERA over his next 16 starts. During this stretch, he allowed more than two earned runs in only two games, reinforcing his status as a dominant force on the mound. Though his time away from the game may have dashed his hopes for another Cy Young award, Sale still earned his ninth All-Star nod and is a finalist for the First and Second All-MLB Teams. For the Braves, exercising this option may well seem like a no-brainer.
Pierce Johnson’s Reliable Presence
Next on the decision list is Pierce Johnson, who has a $7 million option. This choice appears equally straightforward, as Johnson has proven to be a reliable presence in the bullpen. He finished the season with a 3.05 ERA, but had he not pitched in his final outing, he would have concluded with an impressive 2.48 ERA. Between mid-April and that last appearance, Johnson excelled, sporting a stellar 2.06 ERA. Despite a few blown saves, his overall dependability makes him a solid candidate for retention.
Ozzie Albies: A Risky Proposition
Ozzie Albies is another player whose future is uncertain. The instinct might be to pick up his $7 million option, if only to keep the door open for potential trade discussions. However, Albies’ recent injury history complicates matters. An encouraging finish to the season was overshadowed by a wrist injury, raising questions about his viability going forward. Had he remained healthy, the decision to retain him would likely have been an easy one.
Tyler Kinley’s Strong Finish
Tyler Kinley, with a $5.5 million option, adds another layer to the Braves’ decision-making. While they could explore re-signing him at a lower cost, Kinley’s performance since joining the Braves has been nothing short of spectacular. He finished the season with an astonishing 0.72 ERA and a 0.68 WHIP over 25 innings pitched. Whether it’s due to a change in scenery or adjustments made by Atlanta’s coaching staff, Kinley has emerged as a valuable asset in the bullpen. Retaining him would alleviate some uncertainty surrounding Raisel Iglesias’ contract situation.
David Fletcher: A Forgotten Name
Finally, there’s David Fletcher, whose $8 million option might have slipped under the radar for many fans. Fletcher’s time with the Braves has been limited, with only five appearances in the big leagues last season. While he’s been honing his craft, his lack of exposure raises doubts about whether the Braves will opt to keep him around.
As the Braves navigate this critical offseason, decisions regarding these players will shape the team’s future. With Sale’s option standing at the forefront, the organization’s choices will resonate throughout the league, potentially altering the landscape of the upcoming season.
