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Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Bourn will decline the team's qualifying offer before Friday's deadline, making him a free agent. The qualifying offer is $13.3 million for one season, but Bourn and agent Scott Boras are searching for a new multi-year deal.
Atlanta acquired the 29-year-old speedster from the Houston Astros back at the July 31 trade deadline in 2011. Bourn got off to a torrid start at the plate in 2012, but he faded down the stretch. He finished with a batting line of .274/.348/.391 and also stole 42 bases. In a one-game playoff loss to the St. Louis Cardinals, Bourn went 1-5 with one RBI and two strikeouts.
Bourn and the Braves could still reach a new deal, but he will likely be highly coveted by other teams. Other center fielders set to hit the market include B.J. Upton, Shane Victorino and Angel Pagan. If Bourn does move on, Atlanta will receive a compensatory draft pick in the supplemental first round of next June's draft.