Braves’ potential free agents of 2020

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.

it's too many words to fit in one tweet, so I hope you don't mind the notes version. Thank you Braves fans for a memorable 2020 season! #MixItUp #ForTheA pic.twitter.com/CJTpbeJx10
— Mark Melancon (@Mark_Melancon_) October 19, 2020

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.”

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To the great fans of the Atlanta Braves, and to my teammates, coaches, front office staff, and club ownership: Thank you. 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. In this crazy year, you all embraced me and supported me and reinforced that I made the right decision to come play for the Braves. My time in Atlanta this year brought me so much joy and I will remember this season ALWAYS None of us know what the future holds, but I know the future is BIG and BRIGHT. Thank you all. Spanish A los grandes fanáticos de los Bravos de Atlanta, y a mis compañeros de equipo, entrenadores, personal de la oficina principal y propietarios del club: Gracias. Gracias por aceptarme y por permitirme jugar para ustedes en 2020. Estoy muy decepcionado de que no logramos nuestro objetivo de llevar un título de Serie Mundial a la ciudad de Atlanta. Pero a pesar de no alcanzar nuestro objetivo final, estoy orgulloso de lo que logramos juntos. En este año loco, todos me abrazaron y apoyaron y reforzaron que tomé la decisión correcta de venir a jugar para los Bravos. Mi tiempo en Atlanta este año me trajo mucha alegría y recordaré esta temporada SIEMPRE Ninguno de nosotros sabe lo que nos depara el futuro, pero yo sé que el futuro es GRANDE y BRILLANTE. Gracias a todos.🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

A post shared by Marcell Ozuna (@thebigbear13ozuna) on Oct 19, 2020 at 8:46pm PDT

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: