2004: J.D. Drew Leaves the Braves to Sign with the Dodgers
In 2004, outfielder J.D. Drew made a notable departure from the Atlanta Braves, signing a five-year, $55 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. This move came after a standout season in Atlanta, where Drew showcased his impressive skills and solidified his reputation as one of the most productive hitters in the National League.
During his lone season with the Braves, Drew put up remarkable numbers, hitting .305 with a .436 on-base percentage and a .569 slugging percentage. He blasted 28 home runs and posted a 157 OPS+ (which measures a player’s overall offensive performance compared to the league average). His performance in 2004 was a key factor in the Braves’ success that season and highlighted Drew’s ability to be a difference-maker at the plate.
However, despite his strong performance, Drew’s time in Atlanta was short-lived. His contract with the Braves had been a one-year deal worth $4.5 million, after which he became a free agent. The Dodgers, recognizing his potential, offered him a lucrative five-year deal, which Drew ultimately accepted, making the move to Los Angeles. His decision to leave Atlanta was a significant loss for the Braves, as they had to replace his production in the outfield. Over the years, Drew’s career continued to thrive with the Dodgers, although his time with the Braves remains a notable chapter in both his career and the team’s history.
2014: Braves Sign Reliever Jason Grilli
In 2014, the Atlanta Braves made a move to bolster their bullpen by signing veteran reliever Jason Grilli to a two-year contract. Grilli, who was coming off a strong stint with the Pittsburgh Pirates, was expected to bring stability and experience to a Braves bullpen that had struggled with consistency in previous seasons.
Over the course of his two seasons with the Braves, Grilli appeared in 57 games, contributing 50 2⁄3 innings of relief. During this period, he posted a respectable 3.73 ERA, providing a reliable arm in late-game situations. His ability to miss bats and manage tight situations made him an asset for the Braves’ pitching staff, and he briefly filled the role of closer during his time in Atlanta.
However, Grilli’s time with the Braves came to an end in May 2016 when he was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays. In exchange, the Braves received minor league pitcher Sean Ratcliffe. While the trade marked the end of Grilli’s tenure with the Braves, his contributions during his two years in Atlanta were appreciated, as he helped stabilize a bullpen in transition. Grilli’s time with the Braves was relatively short, but his experience and leadership in the bullpen were valuable during a crucial period for the team.