John Smoltz says he turned down $25 million more to stay with the Braves because he wanted to play for Bobby Cox “I stayed because my manager is the greatest manager in the world.” “I turned down about $25 million more to go somewhere else.” “He was the GM that brought me over in the trade, and then he became my manager my whole career.” “I made no bones about it. I gave up a lot of money. I don’t begrudge any of it.” “He was the guy I wanted to play for because he was the best and he had my back.” “I wanted to run through a wall for him.” “He let me roll and do the things he knew would make me the best version of myself.” “I don’t regret any decision I ever made, even though they were tough at the time.”