The deadline for MLB teams to tender contracts to arbitration-eligible players passed last night, and the Braves opted to non-tender several notable players, including Griffin Canning, Ray Kerr, Royber Salinas, Huascar Ynoa, and Ramon Laureano. Meanwhile, an old Braves favorite, Michael Tonkin, avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year deal with the Minnesota Twins, marking his return to the team.
Tonkin, who became a fan favorite in Atlanta despite not being the most dominant reliever, spent the 2023 season with the Braves, posting a 4.28 ERA in 80 innings of relief.
The 35-year-old had a tumultuous 2024 season, starting with the Mets before being traded to the Twins for cash considerations in early April. Minnesota quickly designated him for assignment, and Tonkin returned to New York, where the Mets DFA’d him later that month.
Tonkin didn’t have to go far, though, as the Yankees claimed him, and he enjoyed the best stretch of his 2024 season there. However, after being DFA’d by the Yankees in August, the Twins claimed him off waivers for the remainder of the year.
In total, Tonkin made 57 appearances in 2024, including 13 with the Twins, posting a 3.63 ERA across 79 1/3 innings. He allowed 70 hits and 43 runs while striking out 85 batters.
