Atlanta Braves facing grievance by 2018 first round pick Carter Stewart

The Atlanta Braves failed to sign Carter Stewar, their top overall pick from the 2018 MLB Draft. Stewart and the MLBPA are now filing a grievance against the Braves, requesting that he be declared a free agent.

Just a few short months ago, Carter Stewart appeared to be on the precipice of millions. He had been selected by the Atlanta Braves with the 8th overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, a spot that carried a slot value of $4,980,700. Even if he accepted a deal somewhat below that, Stewart was set to go from high school to millionaire before ever throwing a professional pitch.

It was thought that Stewart and the Braves had agreed to a number somewhere between $4 and $4.5 million for a signing bonus, allowing him to begin his career. However, there were concerns with his wrist, which they felt could hinder his value. His excellent curve, bolstered by its elite spin rate, would not be the same if that wrist injury was as extensive as the Braves medical staff thought it could be.

Needless to say, the Braves lowered their offer. The new offer was just enough for Atlanta to recoup a first round pick if Stewart did not sign, which he refused to. Now, Stewart and the MLBPA are filing a grievance that he be declared a free agent, as they claim the Braves did not negotiate in good faith.

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This would not be the first time such a grievance was filed. Baltimore Orioles 2017 fourth round selection Jack Conlon was not signed after a lowball offer, and looked to be named a free agent. Instead, he ended up at Texas A&M before transferring to San Jacinto JC North when he was unable to get playing time.

Likewise, Brady Aiken filed a similar grievance against the Astros in 2014. The first overall selection, he had agreed to a $6.5 million signing bonus. However, a subsequent exam found issues with his elbow, leading Houston to change its offer. The final amount that the Astros offered was slightly over $5 million, which Aiken turned down.

Aiken was not successful in his case, which may well be the fate for Stewart. However, it is an interesting move, and one that could prove fruitful. Should Stewart be able to prove that the Braves negotiated in bad faith, that first round pick could be lost.

This would also be another black eye to the organization. After being penalized due to their violations regarding international signing rules, the last thing they would need would be another slap on the wrist for failing to negotiate properly with their former draft pick.

Carter Stewart and the MLBPA are filing a grievance against the Atlanta Braves. This will be an interesting story to watch as it unfolds.