re: The ATL Thread: Offseason Edition

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However, at what point do you look at someone other than Freeman and say we really shouldn't trade this guy, he's a face of the Franchise.

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Very good point, however I believe we all said that about Heyward. Kimbrel or any closer for that matter, should never be "the face of the franchise." If the Braves are in true re-build mode attempting to put together a winning team by 2017, then there is no feasible reason to keep a player like Kimbrel on your roster.

A.) His save opportunities will be few and far between when your team is only winning between 60-70 games for the next 2 years

B.) We literally have 2 other EXTREMELY qualified guys (and Shea Simmons who is somewhat qualified) who could immediately step in and become the closer on an average team. We are not looking at a playoff race or anything.

C.) Kimbrel has a very team friendly contract including a $1M buyout option in 2018. I am willing to bet that if the Braves made Kimbrel available via trade we would have offers from every single club out there. The return on Kimbrel would be INSANE and would catapult our re-build mode.