Braves’ free-agent ‘interest’ has its limits
In the two and a half months since the start of baseball’s free-agency period, there have been seven players signed to nine-digit contracts and 20 players who were given deals worth more than $10 million annually. These are not the people who concerned themselves with $10 in Kohl’s cash.
The Braves, however, have been discount-store central.
The day after former Braves outfielder Justin Upton — who the team reportedly had interest in re-signing — went to Detroit for $132.75 million over six years — which followed another former Braves corner outfielder, Jason Heyward, signing with the Chicago Cubs for $184 million over eight years — it’s worth noting the most expensive free-agent contracts handed out in Atlanta this winter went to two catchers: A.J. Pierzynski (re-signed for $3 million) and Tyler Flowers (two years totaling $5.3 million).
This isn’t surprising. General manager John Coppolella figured to continue the slash-and-burn agenda that president of baseball operations John Hart began last year. Coppolella reaffirmed Tuesday his belief that every decision he is making is about “value” and “discipline” and that the organization will continue to be “opportunistic.”
All of which is Latin for: "We like Kohl's."
“We have been in on some double-digit ($10 million-plus) free agents, guys who were really big fish and guys who were smaller fish,” Coppolella said. “But for us it’s about values. Just because other clubs go out and make foolish signings, we’re not going to follow.”
Coppolella acknowledges he “had interest” in “one or two” free agents “who got nine-figure deals.” He wouldn’t name them. But he couldn’t/wouldn’t offer as many years or zeroes to the left of the decimal point as the aforementioned “big fish” could get elsewhere.
This shouldn’t be difficult to figure out. The seven players who received nine-figure deals were: Upton, Heyward, first baseman Chris Davis ($161 million, Baltimore) and four pitchers — David Price ($217 million, Boston), Zack Greinke ($206.5 million, Arizona), Johnny Cueto ($130 million, San Francisco) and Jordan Zimmerman ($110 million, Detroit).
The Braves need an ace in the rotation, but couldn’t/wouldn’t match the dollars. They also need a run producer (or two, or three), and Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reported they had interest in bringing back Upton. But again, not at those total dollars.
There a significant difference between having interest in a player and being willing to do what it takes to compete for his services. Similarly, rumors of the Braves “interest” in power hitter Yeonis Cespedes seem silly. They’re not in the mode of spending big money, and who knows when/if they ever will be again.
The Tigers, Cubs, San Francisco, Boston, Baltimore and Arizona have all spent more than $200 million in free-agent contracts alone. Is it “dumb money”? Not if those teams win a pennant or a World Series and/or significantly increase revenue streams. In that scenario, it’s an investment that paid dividends.
Coppolella continues to preach patience. He has rebuilt the minor league system with the hope and expectation it will pay off. But of course, many won’t believe that until it actually happens.
“I get that a lot of these players are household names and fan favorites,” he said. “But I hope people will be objective rather than subjective. All of the moves have been about a value equation. We were so hamstrung for so long (with big contracts given to underperforming players), that’s why we got into this situation.”
Could he foresee a time when the Braves are aggressive in the free-agent market again?
“I don’t know if I would say aggressive. The word for us is opportunistic. Would we be getting good value for a player on the market? I thought we would end up signing a big name, but (an offer) passed the years where we were comfortable. We have to stay disciplined. It may feel good now to get a big free agent signed but a lot of teams spend money and don’t have a lot to show for it.”
Coppolella reiterated the company line — that no financial mandates have been placed on the Braves by owner Liberty Media. But you know how this works. The Braves don’t want to show financial losses. Ticket sales are down. They’re not going to extend themselves financially with an uncertain future, no matter what dreams they embrace about prospects and Cobb stadium revenue streams.
Don’t look for expensive labels in this closet.
