Nick Swisher is owed $15 million for the 2016 season, but the Atlanta Braves didn't seem to care. The club released the MLB veteran Monday in a move to trim their spring training roster.
The Braves acquired Swisher last season in a trade with the Indians, but the slugger played in only 46 games and hit .195 with a .688 OPS over that span. He was batting just .238/.360/.310 this spring in 42 at-bats, which was likely all the team needed to see before making the decision.
#Braves make Spring Training roster moves: pic.twitter.com/8QL8q4xUzr
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) March 28, 2016
While the move was anticipated to come before Opening Day, Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe speculated over the weekend that it might happen sooner rather than later.
"What will the Braves do with Swisher? He's owed $15 million and doesn't have a set role. Given his balky knees he's best suited to be a DH, but AL teams haven't shown much interest. The Braves would have to eat money regardless of whether they release him or trade him."
Swisher's knees have limited him to just 173 games over the past two seasons and the injuries have severely limited his ability to perform to his potential. The 35-year-old had hit at least 21 home runs from 2005 to 2013 before he needed surgery on both of his knees in 2014. Problems persisted in 2015, which is why the Braves got a good amount of money in the trade with the Indians.
The #Braves received $15M in the trade w/ the Indians with the understanding they might part ways w/ Swisher before this season.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) March 28, 2016
Atlanta also inherited the onerous contract of outfielder Michael Bourn (owed $14 million in 2016), so the Braves will eat at least half of Swisher's salary.
While this doesn't bode well for Swisher, it may not be the end for the 11-year MLB veteran. The former No. 1 overall pick is regarded as a good clubhouse figure and he can play multiple positions, so perhaps another club looks to sign him for morale/depth purposes.
Perhaps a return to the New York Yankees wouldn't be out of the question since the team is in need of a backup first baseman after Greg Bird went down for the year due to shoulder surgery. The Los Angeles Angels and Kansas City Royals have needs in the outfield, which Swisher can fill temporarily or via platoon, and the Chicago White Sox could use another bat following Adam LaRoche's retirement. Swisher's risk of injury would be significantly limited if he spent most of him time at DH.
It's hard to believe he won't get any attention after a healthy spring training, but as of right now he's probably the highest-paid unemployed MLB player.
