Boardwalk Empire - 2045.10 - Salazar Released

[Joshua Biddle]

Gamblers Release Adrian Salazar

The Atlantic City Gamblers officially confirmed the release of first baseman Adrián Salazar, an unceremonious end for a player believed to be a key piece to the Gamblers' offense following the six-year, $109 million contract extension signed in January 2039.

Salazar, 31, signed his six-year, $109 million extension following the 2038 season, where he finished the season hitting .320/.386/.628 with 99 runs scored, 39 doubles, 50 home runs, 142 RBIs, 12 stolen bases in 16 attempts (.750 success rate), and a 5.6 WAR in 691 plate appearances. Salazar led the Johnson League in home runs, RBIs, slugging percentage, and OPS. Following the extension, Salazar did deliver some solid offensive performances; however, declines in his offensive production and a severe decline in his defensive metrics at first base both played a part in his WAR never coming close to 2038 levels. Salazar slashed .273/.334/.489 with 32 home runs and a 0.9 WAR in 2039; .279/.343/.552 with 42 home runs and a 2.4 WAR in 2040; and .281/.349/.556 with 28 home runs and a 0.3 WAR in 2041. It was the 2041 season where Salazar started to lose playing time, declining from 673 plate appearances in 2040 to 413 plate appearances in 2041, and then to 304 plate appearances, 141 plate appearances, and 107 plate appearances in 2042, 2043, and 2044, respectively. Salazar finished the 2044 season - his final season in Atlantic City - hitting .275/.292/.431 with 15 runs scored, 4 doubles, 4 home runs, 12 RBIs, and a -0.1 WAR in 107 plate appearances. His negative WAR figure in 2044 was the second season in the past three with a negative WAR.

On the release, assistant general manager Preston King stated "we wish Adrián well moving forward and believe this move was in the best interest of both parties. The lack of positional versatility combined with subpar production put us in a position where we had to eat the final year of his contract and open a roster spot for another player."

The Gamblers will still pay the final $17 million due to Salazar for 2045.