THE Atlanta Braves announced their candidates outside the call for tenders. They chose not to offer these players contracts for next season and they will head to free agency.

The non-tendered players are right-handed pitcher Griffin Canning, left-handed pitcher Ray Kerr, right-handed pitcher Royber Salinas, right-handed pitcher Huascar Ynoa and outfielder Ramón Laureano.

Canning was acquired by the Braves less than 30 days ago when they traded designated hitter Jorge Soler to the Los Angeles Angels. According to Spotrac, Canning is estimated to bring in $5.4 million next season. After having a 5.19 ERA in 32 appearances (31 starts) last season, the Braves decided he wouldn’t be a rotation option and released him. Soler’s job is officially a masterclass in salary dumping.

Kerr made 10 appearances for the Braves in his first and, now officially, only season with the team. He had a 5.64 ERA in those appearances and had a less-than-stellar 4.50 ERA in 10 appearances with Triple-A Gwinnett. He was expected to earn $800,000 next season.

Salinas was demanded waivers from the Oakland A’s on November 1. He was previously a top-30 prospect in the Braves organization before being sent to the A’s in the Sean Murhpy trade. They had to think twice and decided to let him go once again. He was expected to earn $800,000 next season.

Ynoa is a former Braves prospect who has continued to struggle with injuries over the past few seasons. His last appearance with the club was April 18, 2022. His longest run with the Braves was his 18 appearances in 2021. It was time to move on, and this was the best opportunity. He was expected to earn $825,000 next season.

Laureano was a mid-season acquisition amid the growing number of injuries last season. He was by far the best pickup. After arriving in Atlanta, he cut .296/.327/.505 with 10 home runs and 29 RBIs. He is expected to gross $6.37 million next season. While it’s not an expensive contract by any means, the Braves decided it was better to spend their money elsewhere this offseason. If they hadn’t already had Jarred Kelenic and Eli White – (two uncalled-up prospects who are expected to stick around – they might have been more inclined to keep him. This could be a sign that they have still have faith in Kelenic or they plan to make another move with the extra money this offseason.