When Alex Anthopoulos declined Travis d’Arnaud’s option, it sent shock waves through Braves Country.

It was a very palatable $8 million option for a starting-caliber catcher who has been a key part of the leadership in Atlanta’s recent success, including its World Series run.

In a depleted free agent market, it’s no surprise he’s already signed a new deal. It was announced just days after the option was declined d’Arnaud would be there old friend Ron Washington in Los Angeles on a two-year, $12 million contract.

The question is why? Why would Anthopoulos decline the option after initial reports suggested it was a foregone conclusion that it would be exercised? Well, we have an answer, and it has nothing to do with d’Arnaud.

“From the time the offseason ended until we had to make the decision, things had changed for us,” Anthopoulos said in an interview on 680 The Fan. “We got a little more clarity on Acuna and when he would be back and we could rule out opening day. Battles the same way. We could rule out opening day. Joe Jimenez obviously had surgery, out until at least the All-Star break can be the season.”

Initially, the Braves were expected to exercise the option. Then came the news of Joe Jimenez’s surgery and that the Braves would be missing Ronald Acuna Jr. and Spencer Strider for at least part of the 2025 campaign. It’s a dramatic change in the makeup of the team. Funds must be reallocated to the relief core, rotation and outfield that could have been used on d’Arnaud.

“So, now you’re going into the winter with three areas that you didn’t necessarily know you were going to have to deal with,” Anthopoulos added.

The Braves will miss d’Arnaud, but Sean Murphy is very capable of manning the position for 70% of the starts. Even before the development of Jimenez, Strider and Acuna, it could be argued that it would have been wiser to put that 8 million on another facet of the roster.