Braves decline 2020 options on Julio Teheran and Billy Hamilton

The Atlanta Braves announced several roster moves on Monday afternoon. The team formally announced one-year, $4 million agreements with outfielder Nick Markakis and catcher Tyler Flowers. They also announced that they have declined the $12 million option for Julio Teheran and the $7.5 million mutual option for outfielder Billy Hamilton. As expected, the team also issued a qualifying offer to third baseman Josh Donaldson.

Teheran is the big news here as he has spent all nine seasons of his major league career in a Braves uniform. He put together a solid 2019 season but faltered down the stretch and was initially left off the postseason roster. Teheran has performed well as an innings eater throwing at least 174 2/3 innings in each of the past seven seasons. However, his diminished velocity and poor peripheral numbers suggest that regression is likely and a $12 million price tag was just too costly. Teheran will receive a $1 million buyout. There is a chance that the Braves and Teheran revisit things down the road.

The Braves claimed Hamilton off of waivers in August. He served as a reserve outfielder and late inning defensive replacement appearing in 26 games while going 11-for-41 at the plate.