The Atlanta Braves have been working tirelessly to rebuild their farm system. A large portion of this has been through the draft, but they have also been very active in recent years in the international free agent market. High profile signings have including Kevin Maitan, Derian Cruz, Cristian Pache, Yunior Severino, and countless others.
With that many high profile signings comes the money game where the Braves have to adhere to strict signing guidelines and spending limits. It looks like Major League Baseball is looking into whether the Braves have broken any rules.
Sources: Major League Baseball has been investigating Braves GM John Coppolella in recent weeks. @Ken_Rosenthal says he plans on resigning.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) October 2, 2017
Numerous issues with John Coppolella came up as the league looked into the situation. At least one anonymous complaint was filed with MLB.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) October 2, 2017
MLB was looking into everything from Braves' int'l operations to its domestic draft to Coppolella's treatment of Braves employees.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) October 2, 2017
There is no word exactly what potential violations that the Braves may have committed, but with the resignation of Gordon Blakely who was also heavily involved in the Braves’ international free agent scouting and signings, it appears to be a matter that both the Braves and MLB are taking very seriously.
All of that said, the early results from the investigation do not appear to implicate Coppolella at the very least.
Early on in investigation, little evidence had been found to corroborate a number of accusations levied against Coppolella, per sources.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) October 2, 2017
The Braves have issued a statement that we will be reporting on shortly and we will keep you updated on this story as it develops.