The Atlanta Braves have been linked to Shohei Ohtani by credible sources all offseason. The primary driver behind the notion for national reporters was that the Braves are built to win for a long time. Ohtani wants to win. Match made in heaven.
However, I think most people paying close attention to the Braves never really thought they were truly in on Ohtani. He’s going to get a massive contract and that doesn’t fit the way this organization is run.
The Braves are already pushing the payroll to new heights. Adding a potential $50 million in 2024 for one guy would send the Braves AAV payroll (including projected arbitration deals) to around $300 million. That would put them over the third tier of the tax threshold and would include a draft penalty which causes them to move back 10 places in the draft order.
Read more about the competitive balance tax here.
What would the Braves competitive balance tax or luxury tax be if they signed Shohei Ohtani?
Quick Math: If Ohtani’s AAV is $50 million/year, that would put the Braves around $300 million in AAV payroll. The luxury tax bill would be just about $26.2 million!
Bob Nightengale has reported four “likely” finalists for Ohtani and the Braves were not included.
It sounds like he is going to get paid as a hitter and a pitcher, but teams don’t really know what they’ll get with the arm at this point. Ohtani will not pitch in 2024 after having surgery to repair the UCL in his right arm on August 23, 2023.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his arm, and the fact that he won’t be available to pitch until 2025, Ohtani is reportedly fielding multiple $500 million offers. From the way it’s sounding, Ohtani’s contract will be difficult to live up to, even for Shohei Ohtani.
The Braves have the best offense in baseball, with or without Shohei Ohtani.
Keep up with all Atlanta Braves trade rumors here.
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