The process was a formality. The Braves always were going to extend the qualifying offer to Fried, and the left-hander certainly was going to decline it.

In his first season with the Braves, the left-hander totaled the best ERA, most wins and most strikeouts in the league.

In his first season in Atlanta, Sale won a triple crown – achieved by leading the NL in wins, ERA and strikeouts. He finished with 18 wins, a 2.38 ERA and 225 strikeouts.

The Atlanta Braves declined their $8 million option on Travis d’Arnaud earlier this month, making him a free agent. Now, he's joining the Los Angeles Angels.

The lefthander led the National League in wins (18) strikeouts (225) and earned-run average (2.38).

Trying to predict an Alex Anthopoulos move is like throwing darts at a board while blindfolded and spinning around.