The Braves had a lot of roster turnover between the 2020 and 2021 seasons, even though most of that really affected the role players on the roster rather than the regulars. With 2021 going south, it’s tempting to look at how the players that have moved on are doing… but most aren’t really doing much that would’ve helped the Braves.
Adam Duvall - Was non-tendered by the Braves and later signed a one-year deal that also contains a mutual option for 2022. Atlanta knows all too well about Duvall’s 2021 as he has taken every opportunity to torment them hitting .368/.395/842 with three doubles, five home runs and 17 RBIs in 12 games against Atlanta this season. Still, Duvall hasn’t been anything more than average on the year (1.1 fWAR in 290 PAs). Would he have been an upgrade for the depleted outfield unit the Braves have? Sure. Would he have made a difference in the standings? Probably not enough of one to matter.
Nick Markakis - Announced his retirement from baseball in early March. Given that he hasn’t returned with the current state of Atlanta’s outfield means he is probably comfortable with the decision.
Tyler Flowers - After initially signing a minor league deal, Tyler Flowers announced his retirement in mid-May; his body might have been more opposed to a major league catching workload than his brain. He is working with the Braves as an analyst assisting in game planning.
Adeiny Hechavarria - Signed with the Chiba Lotte Marines of the Nippon Professional Baseball League last December. Has hit .280/.322/.430 with seven doubles and three home runs in 36 games.
Matt Adams - Signed with the Colorado Rockies where he is hitting .152/243/.182 (that’s a wRC+ of 2) in 37 plate appearances. Has mostly pinch-hit and spent some time on the Injured List.
Charlie Culberson - Signed a one-year deal with the Rangers and has appeared in 56 games while hitting .245/.302/.390 with two doubles and three home runs. He’s actually producing at a pretty good rate (0.7 fWAR in 175 PAs) thanks in large part to good defense at third base, and this could be a career year for Culberson… but no one will be surprised to learn that he’s once again substantially outhitting his xwOBA.
Patrick Weigel - Was part of the trade that brought Orlando Arcia to Atlanta from Milwaukee. Weigel has allowed four hits and two runs in four innings for the Brewers. He has a 5.49 ERA in 19 2/3 innings at Triple-A.
Mark Melancon - Signed a one-year deal with the San Diego Padres that also includes an option for 2022. Melancon has a 2.04 ERA and a 4.10 FIP in 36 games for the Padres. His strikeouts are up slightly but so are his walks and he has converted 27 of 31 save opportunities. Melancon had a great run before a bunch of bad outings, but his line and success are mostly propped up by pitching to contact ahead of a great Padres defense rather than anything else.
Mike Foltynewicz - Signed a one-year deal with the Rangers. He has made 18 starts for Texas and has a 5.11 ERA and a 5.60 FIP in 100 1/3 innings despite an uptick in velocity. His slider seems to be working better than it has, but his curveball is a mess and his fastball has lost some of its natural “rise.” It’s not clear whether he’ll ever be able to pitch at an above-replacement rate again.
Robbie Erlin - Signed with the Nippon Ham Fighters and has a 3.18 ERA in 11 games.
Chad Sobotka - Traded with Patrick Weigel to Milwaukee for Orlando Arcia. Sobotka has a 6.75 ERA in 10 2/3 innings for the Brewers’ Triple-A team. He has not seen any action at the Major League level.
Tommy Milone - Currently on the 60-day injured list for the Blue Jays. Appeared in six games before the injury allowing 10 earned runs in 14 innings, but with better peripherals.
Jhoulys Chacin - Has appeared in 21 games for the Colorado Rockies where he has a 4.72 ERA in 34 1/3 innings. Hasn’t been above replacement since 2018 with the Brewers.
Darren O’Day - Signed as a free agent with the Yankees this past offseason after the Braves declined his 2021 option. Has appeared in 12 games allowing four runs in 10 2/3 innings. Is currently on the 10-day Injured List due to a strained hamstring, after missing two months with another injury earlier in the year. If he doesn’t return for the rest of the year, it would be his worst season by fWAR since 2011.
Cole Hamels - Hasn’t pitched since 2020 when he logged a total of three innings for the Braves. Is planning to throw for interested teams this Friday. [Include Heyman Tweet]
Chris Rusin - Signed a minor league deal with the Rockies and posted an 11.95 ERA in 20 1/3 innings at Triple-A.