Part 2/12:
On November 7th, Braves fans woke up to the unexpected news that the team had chosen not to exercise the $7 million option on Pierce Johnson and the $5.5 million option on Tyler Kinley. Instead, the Braves will pay them $1 million in buyouts, effectively parting ways with two talented relievers who delivered solid performances last season.
While on paper this appears to be a straightforward cut for financial reasons—saving roughly $11.5 million—there’s more beneath the surface. These decisions are informed by a combination of salary considerations and a reassessment of the team’s overall pitching strategy.