The Braves made a decision that many saw coming: they officially released Melky Carbrera. Cabrera was acquired in the Javier Vazquez deal this winter. Neither Vazquez nor Cabrera panned out for their respective teams, but Boone Logan and Michael Dunn were solid bullpen arms. The Braves also acquired prospect Arodys Vizcaino, who is a top-five prospect in the system.
Cabrera was abysmal at the plate and in the field this season. Known for clutch homers and at-bats in New York, he did little to impress the Braves or their fans this season. Cabrera hit just .255 with a .317 on base percentage and four home runs. His -1.2 Fangraphs WAR was the lowest amongst all position players in baseball, and his -22.3 UZR/150 was the second worst amongst all outfielders aside from Matt Kemp. Despite his poor play, Bobby Cox ran him out to left or center field with regularity, which resulted in the Braves having one of the worst outfields in all of baseball this season.
Along with Cabrera, the Braves released Takashi Saito. Saito was not expected to come back due to his high price and age. The Braves have enough young bullpen arms to stomach the loss of both Wagner and Saito.