Braves Non-Tender Three

The Braves have announced this afternoon that they are declining to tender contracts to INF/OF Elliot Johnson, INF Paul Janish, and RHP Cristhian Martinez for the 2014 season.

Elliot Johnson, who came to the Braves in one of Frank Wren’s infamous waiver claims just this past season, had a couple of big hits early on, but ultimately hit just .261/.317/.359 for the Braves, although it was a step up from his performance for the Royals in 2013(.179/.218/.241). Fredi Gonzalez now infamously replaced a slumping Dan Uggla with Johnson throughout the seasons last two weeks, and for the NLDS, so it’s the most surprising amongst the Braves non-tender crew. I have a feeling Wren and company will attempt to bring back Johnson on a smaller deal. I’d give him another shot on this interview alone.

Paul Janish, who started the season on the disabled list, is known as an elite defender at shortstop, but has notoriously flirted with the Mendoza line just as much. The sure handed shortstop hit just .171/.222./.442 in 45 brief plate appearances this past season, and was a likely non-tender. It is likely the 31 year old will find employment elsewhere next year.

Cristhian Martinez, who was a key long reliever for the Braves in 2011 and 2012, injured his shoulder early in 2013, and after rehab was unsuccessful, elected for surgery and spent the rest of the year on the mend. Martinez is just 31 years old, and could be brought back on a minor league deal.

For those not quite familiar with the arbitration process, all non-tendered players are now unrestricted free agents, and are immediately free to negotiate and sign with other teams. With today’s non-tenders, the Braves 40 man roster has now shrunk to 37.