Atlanta Braves win arbitration case against RHP Mike Foltynewicz…wow
By Jeff Schafer
Braves win arbitration case against Folty
The Atlanta Braves and right-handed pitcher Mike Foltynewicz had to go to an arbitration hearing because the two sides could not come to an agreement earlier this year over his 2018 salary. The Braves were wanting to pay Folty $2.2 million, while Folty wanted $2.3 million.
From an outsiders prospective, it seemed like a lock that Folty would get that extra 100 grand. But nope. The Braves won the case and will pay the 26-year-old $2.2 million in 2018.
That’s petty interesting…I mean pretty interesting.
congrats to braves, who likely spent about 100K to beat folty in arb and save 100K. 2.2M vs. 2.3M. #fileandtrial
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 10, 2018
As Heyman puts it, the Braves probably spent more going into arbitration then if they would have just given Folty the hundred grand.
In 2017, Folty went 9-10 with a 4.62 ERA. He had 139 strikeouts and 52 walks in 148 innings pitched. At times, he was dominate on the mound…others, he couldn’t find his groove.
The Braves don’t usually go into the arbitration hearing. In fact, the Braves front office went 14 years without going to an arbitration hearing. 2001 John Rocker to 2015 Mike Minor.
In total for the 2017-2018 offseason, five Braves’ players had filed for arbitration during the off-season. Figure-exchange deadline was the last chance for them to negotiate before having an arbiter panel decide whose salary request to honor. All others agreed…
Here’s the summary:
- Rex Brothers, 2nd year, $1.1 million
- Chase Whitley, 1st year, $800,000
- Dan Winkler, 1st year, $610,000
- Sam Freeman, 2nd year, $1.075 million
- Arodys Vizcaino, 3rd year, $3.4 million
- Mike Foltynewicz…
So now it can go into two different ways. Does Folty pitch with a chip on his should and go out in 2018 to prove his worth OR does he hold it against the Braves and get upset…like we’ve seem before from him.
The other problem this could cause is the future with Folty and the Braves. When it comes time to negotiate a new contract, Folty and his team at Excel Sports Management will remember this time.
Folty had a big day though. He did lose this case, but he won off the field…
Foltynewicz had a far bigger development today than arbitration case: #Braves pitcher's wife Brittany gave birth to their son Michael Jett Foltynewicz this morning. Congrats, Folty(s)!
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) February 10, 2018
Next: Braves: Don't sleep on LHP prospect Kyle Muller
Congratulations to Folty and his wife Brittany!!!…and I guess congrats Atlanta Braves for winning this case?