The expected became official Tuesday: Dansby Swanson rejected the Braves’ qualifying offer.
Don’t fret yet, though. This doesn’t mean the Braves won’t re-sign Swanson.
Swanson turned down the one-year, $19.65 million qualifying offer — which is normal for free agents of his caliber — because he can make more on the open market. He almost certainly will be able to earn a multi-year contract with an average annual value greater than the Braves’ qualifying offer.
But by extending the qualifying offer, the Braves ensured they’ll receive draft-pick compensation if Swanson signs elsewhere in free agency.
So, what’s next?