The Atlanta Braves made significant roster decisions late into the evening, announcing that five players will not receive contracts for the upcoming season. These non-tenders include both expected departures and surprising moves as the team continues to reconfigure its payroll and roster heading into 2025. Among the notable names, veteran outfielder Ramon Laureano leads the group of players now heading to free agency.
Laureano, who joined the Braves mid-season in 2024, proved to be a reliable option for the struggling offense, posting a respectable .259/.311/.437 slash line. However, his projected $6 million arbitration salary ultimately outweighed his value as a likely fourth outfielder, prompting Atlanta to part ways. With younger, more versatile players like Jarred Kelenic in line for key roles at lower costs, the decision became increasingly apparent as the offseason progressed.
Another notable departure is Griffin Canning, a pitcher acquired from the Angels in the Jorge Soler trade. Despite hopes of leveraging Canning as a trade chip, the Braves were unable to find a suitable deal before the deadline. Set to earn roughly $5 million in arbitration, Canning’s release reflects Atlanta’s intent to manage its payroll carefully while seeking higher-value additions in free agency.
The roster purge also included three pitchers: Ray Kerr, Huascar Ynoa, and Royber Salinas. Kerr’s release came as a surprise given his non-arbitration status, but struggles with consistency and injury concerns made him expendable. Ynoa and Salinas, both dealing with various setbacks, were likewise let go as the Braves continue to prioritize flexibility and performance in their pitching staff.
General Manager Alex Anthopoulos has made it clear that these moves align with broader goals to improve the team’s competitiveness. With more payroll space and roster spots available, the Braves are poised to make impactful changes through trades and free-agent signings. Fans can expect a busy offseason as Atlanta aims to strengthen its roster for another deep postseason run.
