As expected, Swanson declines qualifying offer from Braves

ATLANTA -- Shortstop Dansby Swanson rejected his qualifying offer on Tuesday. This concluded a procedural move that will allow the Braves to gain a compensatory Draft pick if the shortstop signs with another team this winter.

There was never a reason to think Swanson would accept Atlanta’s qualifying offer, which is a one-year deal worth $19.65 million. The 28-year-old veteran is positioned to gain a multiyear deal that could include an average annual value worth more than that on the free-agent market.

If Swanson signs elsewhere, the Braves would receive a compensatory pick after the Competitive Balance Round B is completed in next summer’s MLB Draft.

Swanson was the only Braves free agent to receive a qualifying offer this year. Kenley Jansen wasn’t eligible because he previously received a qualifying offer from the Dodgers in 2016.