The Texas Rangers have traded pitcher Dane Dunning to the Atlanta Braves in a salary-shedding move, receiving minor league reliever Jose Ruiz and cash in return, according to mlbtraderumors.com. To make space, Atlanta designated veteran Jesse Chavez for assignment.
Dunning, once a key part of Texas’ rotation, has struggled to regain form. After a solid 2022 season with a 3.70 ERA over 172 2/3 innings, he regressed in 2023, posting a 5.31 ERA. Despite accepting a rare arbitration pay cut, he failed to make the Opening Day roster and has mostly spent 2024 in Triple-A. He was recalled in April, cleared waivers in May, and made just five big-league appearances this season.
With the Rangers aiming to stay below the $241 million luxury tax threshold, Dunning – owed about $1 million – became an expendable piece. His role had diminished significantly, falling behind pitchers like Patrick Corbin, Jack Leiter, and Kumar Rocker. Texas also anticipates Jon Gray’s return from injury, making Dunning’s path to innings even narrower.
For Atlanta, the move addresses a rotation hit hard by injuries. With Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach, and Reynaldo López sidelined, and young arms like Didier Fuentes struggling, Dunning offers potential as a back-end starter or long reliever. He still has a minor league option and could be non-tendered this offseason.
Ruiz, 30, joins Texas after a shaky 2024 that saw him allow 17 runs in 16 1/3 innings across stints with Philadelphia and Atlanta. He was effective last season (3.71 ERA, 24% strikeout rate) but has since struggled. He’ll report to Triple-A Round Rock.
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The trade slightly trims Texas’ payroll, offering some flexibility as the club eyes deadline upgrades – especially power bats and bullpen arms – while keeping under the luxury tax line. Jesse Chavez, meanwhile, may rejoin the Braves on a minor league deal if he clears waivers again.