High-Pressure Deadline: Braves Face Franchise-Shifting Tender Decisions on Arbitration-Eligible Six.vc
The tension in Atlanta has reached its peak. With less than 24 hours until the MLB non-tender deadline (Friday, November 21st, 8 p.m. ET), the Braves’ front office must make critical, tough calls on a handful of arbitration-eligible players.
These decisions are purely cold business moves: a team must determine if a player’s expected arbitration salary is worth the risk, or if the money and 40-man roster spot are better allocated to a new free agent. For the six players facing the deadline, their careers could shift instantly with one approval or one cold, unforgiving non-tender.
🎯 The Six Braves Facing the Verdict
The decision window is heavily focused on pitching depth and corner outfield reserve spots. The most likely non-tender candidates are those whose projected arbitration salaries ($) do not match their 2025 performance or their long-term role.
| Player | Position | Projected 2026 Salary (Approx.) | Status & Outlook |
| Alek Manoah (Alek Maniac) | Starting Pitcher | $2.2 Million | RISK/REWARD: Acquired in a trade, the Braves may believe they can fix the former All-Star. His low salary makes him a likely TENDER, betting on his upside. |
| Dylan Lee | Left-Handed Reliever | $1.2 Million | HIGH VALUE: Lee was one of the Braves’ most reliable relievers in 2024 and is projected to earn a steal of a salary. He is a LOCK TO BE TENDERED (Source 3.3). |
| Eli White | Outfielder/Utility | $1.2 Million | ON THE BUBBLE: White is a speed/glove-first reserve who played well in limited action ($\text{.282}$ BA in 2024). His cost is low, but the Braves may need the 40-man spot for a better fit. TENDER LIKELY for depth (Source 3.7). |
| José Suárez | Left-Handed Reliever | $1.5 Million | HIGH NON-TENDER RISK: Suárez struggled significantly after being acquired, and the Braves are actively looking to upgrade their bullpen. His projected salary is high for a player who may start in Triple-A. |
| Joey Wentz | Left-Handed Pitcher | $1.1 Million | HIGH NON-TENDER RISK: Wentz has not found consistency in the majors and the Braves have other, younger pitching prospects (Source 3.1). The team may elect to non-tender and try to re-sign him to a non-roster deal. |
| Joel Payamps | Right-Handed Reliever | $TBD | EXPECTED TENDER: Though not listed in the most recent salary projections, Payamps would likely be a valuable, cost-controlled reliever coming off a solid run. If under team control, he is likely to be TENDERED. |
🚨 The Tense Decisions: Why Non-Tender Happens
The primary reason for non-tendering a player is often not about quality, but about cost versus control.
- Arbitration Cost: For players like Suárez or Wentz, their projected arbitration salaries may be deemed too high for a fringe player, especially when the Braves can find a replacement on a league-minimum contract in free agency.
- 40-Man Roster Spot: The Braves have a tight 40-man roster. Non-tendering a player immediately creates a crucial vacancy, allowing the team to sign a higher-impact free agent or protect an unexposed prospect from the upcoming Rule 5 Draft.
- Bullpen Prioritization: With the uncertainty surrounding Joe JimĂ©nez’s knee injury, the Braves need reliable, high-leverage arms. Non-tendering marginal relievers allows them to redirect those saved funds toward a premium bullpen target on the open market.
The decisions on pitchers like Suárez and Wentz are the most uncertain, as their potential non-tenders could immediately add valuable, available arms to the open market, creating a frenzy among rival clubs.
