Scott Boras Says the Braves Can Re-Sign Michael Bourn

Photo Credit: Hyosub Shin

By Jim Pratt | @BigLeaguesMthly

Of all the free agents this offseason, one of the more intriguing players to watch is Michael Bourn, especially given his standing as a Scott Boras client. It’s been well publicized that the combination of the Atlanta Braves mid-level payroll restrictions and the Bourn/Boras relationship will likely dramatically decrease Atlanta’s chances of re-signing the free agent.

Well, not according to Boras.

Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo reported on August 12 that “the Braves aren’t holding out much hope that they can re-sign Bourn when he becomes a free agent. They don’t seem to do well with Scott Boras clients…”

Recently, Boras contacted Cafardo in reference to that story to “remind” him that the Boras Corporation has “an excellent relationship withFrank Wren and the Braves organization” and that the Braves will not be ruled out of negotiations because Bourn enjoys playing in Atlanta.

The soon to be retired Chipper Jones understands the importance of Bourn’s presence at the top of the Braves lineup, telling TheAtlanta Journal-Constitution, “It should be a No. 1 priority; it’s not a stretch to say he’s been our most valuable player this year. I’ve said all along, you show me a dynamic offense, and I’m going to show you an offense with a dynamic leadoff hitter. We’ve had the same cast of characters here for a couple of years now, and you’ve seen what this offense is able to do with a dynamic leadoff hitter.”

The Braves are expected to have between $30-$35 million coming off the books after the season, including Jones’ $14 million, Derek Lowe’s $10 million and $5.5 million from the expected non-tender release of Jair Jurrjens. Of course that figure doesn’t factor in the probable arbitration raises of Jason Heyward, Martin Prado and Tommy Hanson, among others.