ORLANDO, Fla. -- The Braves are expected to find out soon the results of MLB's investigation into their alleged infractions committed in relation to the domestic Draft and the signing of international prospects.
This announcement, which could be made early next week and will likely involve penalties against the organization, will at least allow the Braves to begin distancing themselves from what team CEO and chairman Terry McGuirk regards as a couple of the toughest months in franchise history.
While attending this week's Owners and General Managers Meetings in Orlando, McGuirk and other Braves officials met with Commissioner Rob Manfred and other MLB officials to discuss the investigation and potential penalties.
The penalties could include significant fines, restrictions on the international market, a loss of Draft picks and the loss of recent international signees. If the Braves lose an international prospect, they will not recoup the signing bonus already provided to the player, who would become a free agent and be positioned to gain another bonus when placed back on the international market.
No players acquired via the domestic Draft are expected to be affected by the penalties.
Former general manager John Coppolella and former special assistant Gordon Blakeley, who headed the Braves' efforts on the international market, were forced to resign on Oct. 2, when it was revealed MLB was in the midst of this investigation.
John Hart remained in his role as president of baseball operations until this week, when he moved into an advisory role as Alex Anthopoulos was hired to serve as the Braves' executive vice president and GM. The depth of Hart's involvement or knowledge, or lack thereof, of the alleged infractions may be better understood once MLB announces the penalties.