Unable to trade Matt Adams before Friday's non-tender deadline, the Braves parted ways with their slugging first baseman, along with two others. Atlanta didn't tender contracts to Adams, Jace Peterson and Danny Santana, making them free agents, while tendering contracts to the rest of their arbitration-eligible players -- pitchers Arodys Vizcaino, Sam Freeman, Mike Foltynewicz and Dan Winkler.
The Braves also agreed to terms with pitcher Chase Whitley, whom they claimed off waivers earlier in the day.
Adams, 29, served as a legitimate power threat after the Braves acquired him for Minor Leaguer Juan Yepez in May, hitting 19 home runs with a .543 slugging percentage in 100 games. But after making $2.8 million this season, Adams was due for a significant raise through the arbitration process. MLB Trade Rumors projected him to make $4.6 million in 2018. The Braves retained little need for Adams as more than a bench player, with Freddie Freeman healthy and slated to play first base every day.
As such, the Braves began shopping Adams around this offseason, but could not strike a deal prior to Friday's deadline. Adams joins an extensive list of first basemen seeking employment, including Eric Hosmer, Carlos Santana, Yonder Alonso, Lucas Duda, Logan Morrison and Adam Lind. Like several of those players, Adams also boasts experience in the outfield.
Peterson and Santana, both 27, became non-tender candidates after posting .635 and .602 OPSes, respectively, for Atlanta. MLB Trade Rumors projected each to make $1.1 million in 2018 had the Braves tendered them contracts.
Vizcaino, 27, saved 14 games upon becoming the Braves' closer last season, posting a 2.83 ERA with 64 strikeouts in 57 1/3 innings. He should again play a prominent bullpen role in 2018 alongside Sam Freeman, a 30-year-old lefty who held same-sided hitters to a .502 OPS, and Winkler, a 27-year-old right-hander who pitched to a 2.51 ERA in 16 appearances down the stretch.
Foltynewicz, 26, went 10-13 with a 4.79 ERA in 28 starts and one relief appearance, striking out 143 batters in 154 innings. He profiles as a mid-rotation starter for the Braves.