Guidelines for Releasing a Player

[Atlanta Braves GM]

Any GM can release any player at any time, however, his contract will be charged to your team as a FA, free agent, contract, and you will then be charged for another player, since the released player will no longer be charged towards your 30 player salary space.
Here is an example:

Before releasing Antonio Alfonseca:

Antonio Alfonseca MLB $316,000.00
Joe Dillon AAA $316,000.00
Justin Wayne MLB $316,000.00
Valerio de los Santos MLB $316,000.00

Mike Hampton C-O $8,500,000.00


After releasing Antonio Alfonseca:

Joe Dillon AAA $316,000.00
Justin Wayne MLB $316,000.00
Valerio de los Santos MLB $316,000.00
A New Player MLB $316,000.00

Antonio Alfonseca FA $316,000.00
Mike Hampton C-O $8,500,000.00

So, as you can see, you don't want to release too many players, or you will be charged for their contracts as well as another players contract on your team.

His contract will continue to count against you until he is signed by another team, in which case he will no longer appear on your team's salary.

You can release anyone you want on your club starting now, but be aware of the consequences.

[Angels GM]

I'm not quite sure I follow. So if I cut a guy with a $5 million salary, it WILL or WON'T be counted against my payroll/salary cap?

[Atlanta Braves GM]

It Will count against your salary, as well as another person from your organization.
Only if that player is signed by another team will it not count against you.