The Braves are typically a team with several critical decisions to make when it comes to team options, and this upcoming offseason will be no different. Let’s go through them and gauge the likelihood that each one is picked up.
Eddie Rosario
Club option for 2024: $9 million, no buyout
I would put Rosario’s chances of being with the Braves in 2024 at about 50/50. He’s had some really good moments in Atlanta, particularly during the 2021 World Series run, but the Braves could look to upgrade in left field. $9 million might be a slight overpay for Rosario’s services, but if he picks it up to end the season and performs well in the playoffs, I could see the Braves bringing him back. The importance of having guys that perform well when the lights are the brightest cannot be understated.
Brad Hand
Mutual option for 2024: $7 million, $500,000 buyout
Hand has put together a couple of scoreless relief appearances since he was acquired from the Rockies, but he seems to be an arm that’s on the decline after once being one of the most feared closers in the game. I have a difficult time seeing the Braves paying him $7 million in 2024 unless he shows a lot down the stretch and into the postseason.
Kirby Yates
Club option for 2024: $5.75 million, $1.25 million buyout
The Braves took a gamble on Yates a couple of years ago, banking on him to return to form after Tommy John surgery. There were some rocky moments early on, but he’s turned into one of the team’s most reliable relievers, posting a 3.21 ERA over 42 appearances. I don’t see any reason why the Braves wouldn’t pick up Yates’ option for 2024.
Collin McHugh
Club option for 2024: $6 million, $1 million buyout
From 2018-2022, McHugh had quietly been one of the best relievers in all of baseball. He’s struggled this season, posting a 3.74 ERA and 1.577 WHIP. His strikeout rate has also plummeted, as he’s punching out just 6.3 batters per nine innings, down from 9.7 batters per nine innings a year ago. Set to be 37-years-old next season, we may be watching the beginning of the end of McHugh’s career, but I could still see the Braves hanging onto him if he can finish the season strong.
Charlie Morton
Club option for 2024: $20 million, no buyout
This one is by far the biggest decision on this list, and I’m not sure there’s a clear answer right now. Morton was having a really solid year, but he hasn’t looked like the same guy since the All-Star break. There’s also a chance he considers retirement at the end of the year, but for the sake of this piece, let’s assume he still wants to play at least one more season. In an ideal world, I think the Braves would like to pick up his option and keep him around. Beyond his impact on the field, he’s been critical in helping the younger arms on this pitching staff. However, he’ll have to pitch better, especially in the postseason, for the Braves to hand him $20 million again in 2024.
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