Atlanta Braves Trade Reliever Nick Anderson to Kansas City Royals
Another Deal in the Works for the Braves
After successfully completing a six-player trade late Thursday night, the Atlanta Braves are showing no signs of slowing down. According to reports from the NY Post’s Joel Sherman, the Braves have made another move, this time sending reliever Nick Anderson to the Kansas City Royals.
Interest from the Yankees
The New York Yankees had shown interest in acquiring Anderson both last offseason when he was a free agent and again now as Atlanta was looking to move a player it was unlikely to tender a contract to. However, it is the Royals who have secured the services of the right-handed reliever.
Anderson’s Journey with the Braves
Anderson joined the Braves as a free agent last November and quickly made an impact. He earned a spot on the club’s roster after an impressive performance during spring training and became a key member of the bullpen. In 35 1/3 innings, Anderson posted a 3.06 ERA and a 3.09 FIP.
Unfortunately, Anderson’s season took a turn for the worse when he suffered a shoulder strain, landing him on the 60-day injured list. Despite completing a rehab assignment towards the end of the season, Anderson did not make it back to the majors and was left off Atlanta’s roster for the Division Series.
Arbitration Eligibility and Salary Projection
As an arbitration-eligible player, Anderson was projected to earn a salary of around $1.6 million, according to MLB Trade Rumors. With the Braves looking to make room for other players, Anderson became a non-tender candidate ahead of Friday’s deadline.
Royals Send Cash Considerations
In exchange for Anderson, the Kansas City Royals are sending cash considerations back to the Braves. This deal comes after the Royals welcomed back Joe Jimenez and Pierce Johnson earlier in the offseason, making Anderson expendable for Atlanta.
Official Confirmation
The trade has now been made official, as announced by the Atlanta Braves on their official Twitter account. The Braves have acquired cash considerations from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for right-handed pitcher Nick Anderson.
With this latest move, the Braves continue to reshape their roster and make strategic decisions to strengthen their team for the upcoming season.