The Braves have made strategic moves to enhance financial flexibility, trading Kyle Wright to the Royals for reliever Jackson Kowar. This decision, announced just before the arbitration deadline, avoids paying Wright $1.4 million for the 2024 season as he recovers from shoulder surgery. With other non-tender candidates like Michael Soroka and Nicky Lopez also traded, the Braves have freed up approximately $8.3 million. They’ve also sent Nick Anderson to the Royals for cash considerations, avoiding a $1.6 million arbitration cost. These moves raise speculation about the Braves pursuing free-agent starting pitchers like Aaron Nola or Sonny Gray with their newfound payroll flexibility.
Wright, the fifth overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft, showed promise in 2022 but faced setbacks due to shoulder discomfort in 2023. In return, they acquire Jackson Kowar, a 27-year-old right-handed reliever with a 6.43 ERA in 23 appearances for the Royals in 2023.
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