It’s true that the Atlanta Braves have had a surprisingly quiet offseason so far, especially when compared to their usual aggressive approach in recent years. The signing of Corbin Burnes by the Arizona Diamondbacks could potentially open trade or market opportunities for the Braves, but as of now, their activity in the transaction market has been minimal.
While other teams have been reshaping their rosters, Atlanta has largely avoided major moves. This might indicate confidence in their current core or a strategic wait-and-see approach to find value later in the offseason. It could also signal faith in internal development, as their young talent pipeline has been a key part of their success.
Still, with other contenders in the National League strengthening their squads, it will be interesting to see if the Braves decide to make a late splash or focus on smaller, targeted adjustments to address specific needs.
That’s true—while the Braves haven’t made headline-grabbing moves this offseason, they’ve still been active in smaller but meaningful ways. These quieter transactions might not generate the same buzz as a blockbuster signing, but they can still have a significant impact on the team’s depth and flexibility.
Atlanta has shown a history of making under-the-radar moves that pay off in the long run, so it wouldn’t be surprising if they’re quietly setting the stage for a late signing, trade, or internal improvement that strengthens their position heading into the season.
Braves sign reliever Brian Moran to minor league contract
The Braves have indeed been making subtle moves, such as re-signing left-handed reliever Brian Moran to a minor league deal earlier in December. Moran, known for his unconventional sidearm delivery, adds depth to Atlanta’s bullpen options. Following the signing, he was assigned to the Gwinnett Stripers, the Braves’ Triple-A affiliate.
While this move may not draw much attention, it underscores Atlanta’s approach to maintaining a robust farm system and bullpen flexibility. Moran could serve as a valuable depth piece, ready to contribute if injuries or performance issues arise during the season.
This marks Brian Moran’s third stint with Atlanta’s minor league system, though he has yet to make an MLB appearance for the Braves. In 2023, Moran delivered a solid performance at Triple-A with the Gwinnett Stripers, posting a 3.21 ERA over 47.2 innings. His impressive 28.3% strikeout rate and manageable 9.8% walk rate highlight his ability to generate outs effectively while maintaining decent control.
While he remains a depth option, Moran’s consistent Triple-A success suggests he could be a valuable call-up if the Braves need reinforcements in the bullpen during the 2024 season. His track record makes him a reliable candidate to provide innings when needed.
The 2024 season was challenging for Brian Moran, as his ERA climbed to 5.91 over 45.2 innings, largely due to a drop in his strikeout rate. However, there was a silver lining: he managed to improve his control, reducing his walk rate by two percentage points compared to the previous year.
Despite his struggles, Moran has a unique claim to fame in MLB history—his debut with the Miami Marlins, where he struck out his brother, Colin Moran, in a memorable sibling showdown. That moment remains a highlight of his career and a testament to his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. Now in his third stint with the Braves’ system, he’ll look to bounce back and make the most of his opportunities in 2025.
The Braves currently lack a high-leverage left-handed reliever in their bullpen, and while Brian Moran isn’t expected to fill that role, he could still be a valuable depth option. Unless he delivers an exceptional performance in Spring Training, Moran is more likely to serve as a veteran presence in Triple-A, ready to step in if needed.
This move aligns with Atlanta’s broader offseason strategy of stockpiling pitching depth, a lesson learned from last season’s challenges with injuries and inconsistent performances. The organization’s focus on building a robust pool of arms ensures they’re better prepared for the inevitable demands of a long MLB season. Moran’s experience and track record make him a solid insurance policy for the bullpen.
Former hard-throwing Atlanta Braves reliever Juan Jaime passed away
Tragic news has emerged from the baseball community: Juan Jaime, a former pitcher for the Atlanta Braves, has passed away at the age of 37 due to a heart attack. The Dominican Republic native was drafted by the Braves in the 2010 amateur draft and made his MLB debut with the team in 2014.
Jaime was known for his electric fastball and potential, which earned him opportunities in professional baseball. While his career in the majors was brief, he left a mark on those who followed his journey. His untimely passing is a heartbreaking loss for the Braves’ family and the broader baseball world.
Juan Jaime was known for his high-velocity fastball, which could touch triple digits, showcasing the raw talent that made him stand out as a reliever. He appeared in 16 games in 2014 and 2 games in 2015 for the Braves, compiling a 5.93 ERA and a 4.38 FIP across 18 games. During this brief stint, he recorded 13 walks and 19 strikeouts.
Although his MLB career was short-lived, Jaime’s talent was undeniable. His fastball, paired with his passion for the game, earned him respect from teammates and fans alike. His story, though brief, will be remembered for his potential, energy, and love for baseball. His passing is a sad reminder of how fleeting life can be, but his impact on those who saw him pitch will endure.
Former Braves prospect Patrick Weigel lands with Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals have signed former Braves prospect Patrick Weigel to a minor league contract, which includes an invite to spring training. Weigel, who was once considered a promising arm in the Braves’ system, will look to showcase his talents in a new environment.
Though he hasn’t yet established himself in the majors, this opportunity could allow him to earn a spot with the Nationals or provide depth at the minor league level. Weigel has dealt with injury setbacks in his career, but he has the potential to contribute if he can stay healthy and refine his craft. His inclusion in spring training could be a key step in his path toward a big league role.
Patrick Weigel was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the seventh round of the 2015 MLB Draft, with the hope that he would develop into a key piece of their future rotations. He showed promise as a prospect, and Atlanta had high expectations for him. However, after making his MLB debut during the 2020 season, it became clear that Weigel wasn’t quite ready for a consistent role at the big league level.
Despite the struggles, Weigel’s potential was still evident, and the Braves continued to give him opportunities to develop. Unfortunately, he couldn’t fully realize that potential in Atlanta, leading to his eventual departure from the organization. Now with the Washington Nationals, he will have a fresh opportunity to refine his game and perhaps earn a more prominent role in the majors.
Patrick Weigel’s tenure with the Braves came to an end at the start of the 2021 season, when he was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers alongside reliever Chad Sabotka in exchange for current Braves shortstop Orlando Arcia. In Milwaukee, Weigel saw limited action, appearing in just four innings as part of their bullpen, and struggled with consistency. His performance was up and down, and he posted a career 7.71 ERA over those 4.2 innings in the majors.
Though his MLB experience has been brief and challenging, the move to the Nationals offers Weigel another chance to prove himself and potentially carve out a more stable role. The talent that made him an intriguing prospect is still there, and with the right opportunities and adjustments, he could work toward establishing himself in the big leagues.
Since his last MLB appearance in 2021, Patrick Weigel has bounced around various organizations, including stints with the Seattle Mariners and the Cincinnati Reds. He also spent time with the Kansas City Monarchs in the American Association and the Saraperos de Saltillo in the Mexican League. Despite these various stops, he hasn’t returned to the big leagues.
Now, with the Washington Nationals, Weigel has earned another shot at reaching the majors. He is currently assigned to the team’s Double-A affiliate, where he will have the opportunity to prove himself and potentially earn a promotion if he performs well. The Nationals will give him a fresh chance to revitalize his career and work his way back to the big leagues, making this a crucial period for his development.
