The Atlanta Braves are making moves and have cut ties with a 29-year-old pitcher after five seasons in their organization. Jake McSteen was released on Monday, according to his transaction log.
Before the minor league season, McSteen pitched in the Puerto Rican Winter League and Caribbean Series. He had a 1.50 ERA in 24 games for the Indios de Mayaguez. In the Caribbean Series, he did not allow a run in five outings.
McSteen signed a minor league deal with the Braves in 2021. He pitched in 11 minor league games last season, posting a 2.95 ERA. He was having a solid season, but spent most of the year on the injured list. He originally was placed on the seven-day injured list, but was transferred to the 60-day injured list.
McSteen was off to his best season with the Braves organization after his dominant winter league play. In 2024, he had a 5.89 ERA, continuing his struggles from years past. In fact, the best ERA he had in a season since joining the Braves was a 3.68 in 2021. That came between the High-A and Single-A levels.
McSteen had reached the Double-A level and was finding some success. However, injuries derailed his season and the Braves decided to move on. The team will have to find a way to add pitching depth in the minor leagues, as it often becomes important during the season.
McSteen may be able to land a minor league contract with a new team and perhaps put last season’s injuries behind him. He would be a low-risk addition for any team in need of pitching depth in the minor leagues. He has made some starts in his career as well, so he could be used as a swingman.
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