ATLANTA -- Ron Mahay didn't provide the Braves with a surprise that would have forced them to alter their payroll plans. His representatives informed them on Friday that they wouldn't be accepting their arbitration offer.

When the Braves made the salary arbitration offer to Mahay earlier this month, they presented themselves with an opportunity to gain a compensatory Draft pick. When he signs with another team, they'll gain a sandwich pick between the first and second rounds of next year's First-Year Player Draft.

Had Mahay accepted the Braves' offer, he would have returned to Atlanta to play next year for a salary that likely would have exceeded $2 million. Suffice to say, the Braves had always budgeted for him to reject the offer. Mahay, who posted a 2.55 ERA in 58 combined appearances with Atlanta and Texas last year, is hoping to gain a multiyear contract with an annual salary close to $3 million through free agency.