Braves to Reportedly Non-Tender Charlie Culberson Ahead of Monday Deadline
By Adam Weinrib
You can't let feelings get in the way of that all-too-valuable roster space, and it appears Atlanta may be on the verge of completing a tough decision Monday evening.
Ahead of the team's non-tender deadline, it seems the Braves plan to release popular utility man Charlie Culberson from his contract.
Braves non-tendering Charlie Culberson, according to sources.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) December 2, 2019
It's a move that becomes all the more nonsensical when you realize the team is entitled to a 26th roster spot next season.
It sounds like the Braves may non-tender Charlie Culberson before tonight's deadline. This would not be a popular decision. Culberson's value would seemingly be increased next year when the 26-man rosters are put in place.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) December 2, 2019
Culberson seems like the ultimate 26th man. He's already the ultimate 25th man, after all.
Isn't he?
Zero outs.
— FOX Sports South (@FOXSportsSouth) July 7, 2019
Bases loaded.
One-run game.
WATCH THIS THROW FROM CHARLIE CULBERSON. pic.twitter.com/hZDMBWPccx
In many ways, Culberson has embodied Atlanta's resilient, never-say-die identity over the past few years, and his bromance with lookalike Dansby Swanson has been one of the many little things that always seem to combine to define elite clubs.
Before a horrific incident towards the tail end of last season when he was drilled in the face by a pitch on a bunt attempt, Culberson had piled up another reliable year, hitting .259 with five homers after knocking 12 bombs and 45 RBI in '18.
If this does come to pass, Culberson will be missed by all those surrounding the Bravos. Seems like an avoidable error, too.