The Cleveland Guardians made several roster moves to safeguard their top prospects ahead of the Rule 5 Draft.
In order to protect Nic Enright, Doug Nikhazy, Petey Halpin, and Franco Aleman, the team designated Peter Strzelecki, George Valera, and Connor Gillispie for assignment.
Strzelecki was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates, Valera returned on a minor league deal, and now the fate of Gillispie has been revealed as well.
“The #Braves have signed RHP Connor Gillispie to a one-year, non-guaranteed contract for the 2025 season,” the Braves announced on X.
The 27-year-old Gillispie is more likely to secure a meaningful role in the majors with Atlanta than he would have in Cleveland.
He made his MLB debut with the Guardians this year after joining the team in 2023 through the minor league phase of the Rule 5 Draft.
Gillispie pitched eight innings in the majors this season, allowing only a couple of runs.
The Braves likely value Gillispie’s versatility, as his arm can be used in different roles, a quality he demonstrated throughout the year.
In Triple-A, the right-hander logged 113.1 innings and posted a 4.05 ERA.
He started 15 games and came out of the bullpen 12 times.
While he can generate strikeouts, with a 25% strikeout rate, his 22 home runs allowed indicate he struggles with giving up the long ball.
The Braves are a strong organization, and the opportunity for MLB innings, along with a change of scenery, could give him the chance to carve out a meaningful role.
The numbers game held him back in Cleveland, but that doesn’t diminish the talent in his arm.
