The Atlanta Braves offseason continues to thrive as the team announced today that they have signed RHP Mike Soroka on a one-year contract worth $2.8 million. This allowed them to avoid arbitration with the talented pitcher who hopes to finally make a comeback after suffering an unfortunate Achilles injury back in 2020 after only throwing 13.2 innings.
Soroka would be a welcome addition to the Atlanta starting staff if he can return to form. The Canadian right-hander has the potential to be a front-line starter as he proved in his 2019 All-Star season where he pitched to a 2.68 ERA across 174.2 innings.
The Braves also announced today that they non-tendered Guillermo Heredia (OF), Jackson Stephens (RHP), Silvino Bracho (RHP), Alan Rangel (RHP), and Brooks Wilson (RHP).
The Atlanta #Braves today signed RHP Mike Soroka to a one-year contract worth $2.8 million, and non-tendered RHP Silvino Bracho, OF Guillermo Heredia, RHP Alan Rangel, RHP Jackson Stephens, and RHP Brooks Wilson.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) November 19, 2022
Rangel and Wilson were non-tendered to clear spots on the 40-man roster. They were re-signed to minor league contracts and extended invitations to 2023 Spring Training. Rangel spent most of 2022 in Double-A with a 5.26 ERA and 4.30 FIP in 114.2 innings.
Brooks Wilson had to undergo Tommy John surgery in 2022 which caused him to miss the entire season. Wilson was a seventh-round draft pick out of Stetson for the Braves in 2018 and was added to the 40-man roster before the season.
Heredia is one of the best hype men in Atlanta Braves history and provided the team with a good defensive replacement option. However, he didn’t see much playing time in 2022 and didn’t provide much offensively when given the opportunity. As fun as Heredia is in the clubhouse, that’s not enough reason to keep that roster spot full. The pink swords will live on in Atlanta Braves lore. Never forget.
Jackson Stephens provided the Braves with some valuable innings and pitched well for the most part. 2022 was his first in the majors since 2018 when he was with the Reds. Stephens finished with a 3.69 ERA over 53.2 innings and a 3.54 FIP.
Silvino Bracho didn’t spend much time with the Atlanta Braves as they acquired him from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for cash considerations on July 1st. He was then added to the 40-man roster by rule. In his short stint with Atlanta, he had a 6.23 ERA over just 4.1 innings pitched.
Every single move made by the Braves makes sense and shouldn’t surprise anyone. This allows the team to open spots for more important pieces. Let the fun begin as the date gets closer and closer to the Winter Meetings.