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ORLANDO, Fla.- The Atlanta Braves explored price points for free-agent closer Edwin Díaz and also othre late-inning relievers, according to people briefed on thier discussions. But ultimately the Braves did not sign Díaz,in part as they are in a different position than other teams when considering free agents who rejected qualifying offers.
A club that signs such a player loses at least its second-highest draft pick. The Braves’ first selection,No. 9 is protected. Their second-highest, No.26, is the Prospect Promotion Incentive choice they received for Drake Baldwin winning National League Rookie of the Year.
the Braves value that pick, the highest second selection of any club. Right-hander Hurston Waldrep, who had a 2.88 ERA in 56 1/3 innings as a rookie last season, was the 24th overall choice in 2023. Lefty Cam Caminiti, the Braves’ No. 1 prospect per MLB pipeline, went 24th overall in 2024. Shortstop/outfielder Tate Southisene, their No. 3 prospect,went 22nd overall in 2025.
If the Braves were going to sacrifice the No. 26 pick, they likely would have preferred to do it for a position player or starting pitcher rather than a reliever. That still could happen. Right-handers Zac Gallen and Michael King and lefties Framber Valdez and Ranger suárez are among the remaining free agents who rejected qualifying offers. The extent of the Braves’ interest in those pitchers is unclear.
The Braves did not exceed the luxury-tax threshold last season, so they only will lose one pick if they sign a free agent with a qualifying offer. The Los Angeles Dodgers did exceed the threshold, so they will forfeit their second- and fifth-highest picks plus $1 million in international bonus pool space for reaching agreement with Díaz on a three-year, $69 million deal that included deferrals.
With Díaz off the board, the Braves continue to look for another back-end reliever to pair with Raisel Iglesias, whom they re-signed to a one-year, $16 million contract. They were interested in righty Kyle Finnegan before he agreed to return to the Detroit Tigers on a two-year, $19 million agreement, and also are considering Robert Suarez.
Reds still trying
If the Cincinnati Reds add a hitter, it won’t be at the level of Kyle Schwarber. But the Reds also are not shopping in the bargain aisle just yet.
Among the trade possibilities they are considering, according to sources briefed on their conversations: Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte, who is owed $102.5 million over the next six seasons, including $41 million deferred; and Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe, who will make $11.5 million in the final year of his contract.
The Reds, league sources said, offered Schwarber a five-year deal in the $125 million range, with room to grow. Their proposal had a creative structure that included deferrals. Ownership was willing to extend for Schwarber, anticipating that the native of Middletown, ohio, would help sell tickets in his homecoming.
A deal for Marte would require the Reds to part with top young talent, something they are reluctant to do, and possibly offload a player such as second baseman Gavin Lux, who is .