The 2013 season for the Atlanta Braves ended sooner than expected and now the team is faced with the pending futures of several of their stars. General manager Frank Wren is aware that the Braves have some decisions to make regarding their budget and the salaries of certain players. Tim Hudson and Brian McCann have been consistent to the Braves lineup for years, but one or both of them might not be back next year.
Hudson's season ended much sooner than the Braves' did after the pitcher suffered a gruesome season-ending ankle injury in July. As he approaches 39-years old, many wonder if the Braves should simply part ways with their one-time ace. In 2013, Hudson did not produce the greatest of numbers. His 3.97 ERA was his worst since 2006, but he still had strong numbers in strikeouts, walks and hit rates, showing that he can still play the game. Wren is choosing to honor this.
The Atlanta Journal Constitution is reporting Wren is aiming to re-sign the nine-year Braves veteran. The Atlanta pitching rotation is relatively young. If Hudson can return at full strength, he would be a welcomed veteran presence and a nice insurance amongst the younger players. Hudson has consistency in his favor. Because of that, the Braves pitcher can expect to be back in Atlanta come 2014.
The same cannot be said for McCann. The catcher has spent all of his nine-year MLB career in Atlanta and it would be a strange sight to see him play elsewhere. The issue will be money. ESPN reports one general manager believes McCann could command upwards of a six-year deal worth $100 million. Joe Mauer and Buster Posey are the only other two catchers to earn a salary of that amount.
McCann's $12 million salary in 2013 made him the third-highest paid catcher in the game. At 29, McCann is worth the money. He is hitting .277 with seven All-Star appearances and five Silver Slugger awards to his name. Will the Braves be willing to offer him the size contract he deserves? Atlanta has only handed out large contracts like that a few times, but getting rid of McCann would certainly hurt.
Wren expects most of the team back in 2014. There were questions regarding the play of Dan Uggla and BJ Upton as both struggled heavily during the year. While Wren did not comment on Uggla, he notes that Upton is one of the best young players in the league and he fully expects him to be the starting centerfielder next year.
