Atlanta Braves Roster Rumors: Team Cuts Veterans Michael Bourn and Emilio Bonifacio
The Atlanta Braves finally have figured out their Opening Day roster and the players that form part of it have been identified, with the team deciding to put veteran outfielders Michael Bourn and Emilio Bonifacio on assignment, while also sending pitcher Jhoulys Chacin to Triple-A Gwinnett. The player movements, per report from The Associated Press, leaves the team with 12 active pitchers, six infielders, five outfielders, and two catchers.
The 33-year old Bourn is slated to earn $14 million for the new season, coupled with a $12 million option for next year. However, the Braves thought it was a more reasonable decision to just swallow the cash and let him go.
His contribution last season was nowhere near what was expected of him, hitting just .221 while failing to register a home run, though he had 11 RBIs. Of course, his age is one factor why his performance saw a huge dip in the past couple of years. Early in his career, he was known for his speed; and in fact, he once led the entire league in stolen bases. But that hasn't been the case for three years now. Since 2013, he couldn't steal more than 20 bases, including last season, where he only had four.
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Bourn's position at centerfield was given to Ender Inciarte after the Braves got him from the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The 30-year old Bonifacio on the other hand couldn't make the team in spring training. He was given a guaranteed $1.25 million by the Braves before the start of the training but it looked like he wasn't a good fit.
Unlike Bourn, he is expected to get some interest from several teams in the league, particularly those who are looking for versatility in several positions. The guy's a veteran and journeyman, having played for eight different teams since joining the league in 2007.
