Part 4/10:
The team might aim to limit expenses, reducing payroll to stay below the tax threshold. While staying under the tax has benefits, this would constrain their spending capacity, potentially limiting big free-agent splashes.
- Focusing on Bigger Holes First:
The Braves could be prioritizing addressing major positional needs—shortstop, DH, starting rotation—before investing heavily in the bullpen. The payroll flexibility gained might be reserved for high-impact signings rather than bullpen depth.
- Big-Spending Ambitions:
If they have untapped resources, the team might plan to spend aggressively, upgrading their bullpen and other areas. The "decline" of Johnson and Kinley might be about reallocation, not restriction.
- Re-Signing on Lower Deals or Replacing Internally: