Another Franchise Star Coming Home?
(Robins owner Dale Doleback upon hearing the news that he is still paying Enrique Salazar)
Last season the Robins brought back franchise legend Orlando Medrano. This year they have already brought back Holden Blackwell and some other role players who hold a place in the GM's heart. In recent days, Brooklyn GM Alan Ehlers sorted through the list of free agents and saw another familiar name. One Enrique Salazar. Salazar's claim to fame is that he was the DH prospect that came up in 2026 that allowed the Robins to trade hard hit'in Brian Whitten. The philosophy was not to overspend on the DH position. The move was the first domino to fall in a series of moves that would propel to a surprising Landis win.
Ironically enough, Brooklyn would later extend the power hitting DH to a 6 year $45 mil contract after the 2032 season. It was thought to be a buy low deal with Brooklyn paying him just $4 mil in 2033 and $5 mil in 2034. Majority of the contract was buried behind two team options at the end of the deal. Options they never intended to pick up.
Almost immediately after signing the deal... he lumped. Then came back, got injured.... and lumped again. Towards the end of the 2034 season, Brooklyn kept cycling him through DFA as he was no longer an asset to the team. They could not release him because they'd be forced to consume the entire salary. So every sim they would DFA him, put him back on the roster, DFA him again.
That cycle continued until the very last day of the 2034 season when life got in the way(missed sim) and Salazar was accidently left in DFA one day too long.
So as the Robins officially sent him a minor league offer this week, owner Dale Doleback was surprised to see that he is in fact still on the teams payroll. What part of the $36 million in other expenses is his isn't quite sure. But it's at least in the 8 figure range. One of the many blunders Brooklyn has made along the way that is leading them to a fresh start. At least if Enrique signs, he'll be able to make good on some of the contract by leading the San Francisco Doves their 8th AAA championship.
