Spring training might be starting up, but it doesn't mean the offseason is over for the Atlanta Braves. Two weeks after announcing 16 non-roster invitees for spring training, including six pitchers, the club added three more potential bullpen arms.
Chad Kuhl's signing was reported a few days ago; however, it wasn't officially announced until today, along with the arrivals of Jake Diekman and Dylan Covey, both of whom have officially signed with the Braves, too.
Braves add three veteran relievers to spring training squad
Chase Owens covered Chad Kuhl's signing last week, but in case you missed it, Kuhl is a eight-year vet who has spent time in the rotation and the bullpen. Most recently, the 32-year-old pitched 53.1 innings for the historically bad Chicago White Sox and had a 5.06 ERA.
Jake Diekman has spent parts of 13 seasons in the bigs, appearing in games with nine different teams. Diekman is a lefty with solid strikeout stuff, but struggles with command. In his MLB career, the 38-year-old has a career 28.7% strikeout rate, but also allows free passes at a 13.4% clip.
Diekman struggled last season with the Mets, having a career-worst 5.63 ERA and 5.63 FIP in 32 innings. He was released at the beginning of August by the Braves' rival. The Nebraska native did have a solid 2023, where he had a 3.34 ERA in 56.2 innings. That was largely due to a resurgence with the Rays after he'd been cut by the White Sox early in the season.
Dylan Covey last appeared in the bigs in 2023 with the Philadelphia Phillies. He's played parts of five seasons, predominantely as a starter with the White Sox, but has also been a reliever for the Red Sox and Dodgers.
Covey 's overall career numbers are unimpressive, as he's had a 6.18 ERA across 307.1 MLB innings, but he saw some success with the Phillies' Triple-A team last season pitching 20.1 innings with a 2.66 ERA. He was limited in action due to a shoulder injury, however.
Covey had actually signed with the Mets this offseason, but was designated for assignment and elected free agency after the Mets re-signed Ryne Stanek
With the competition for Atlanta's final bullpen spots being wide open this spring training, the Braves clearly feel there is no risk adding three more arms to the competition.