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MESA, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 18: Ken Waldichuk #30 of the Oakland Athletics poses for a portrait during photo day at HoHoKam Stadium on February 18, 2025 in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

According to reports, the Atlanta Braves have made a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays that includes sending recently acquired Ken Waldichuk and Brett Wisely to the Rays in exchange for cash considerations and a Player To Be Named later.

Ken Waldichuk was picked up by the Braves a couple of days ago off waivers, and did not make it a week with the club. The Rays designated Osvaldo Bido and Tsung Che-Cheng for assignment to make room on the roster for the new additions.

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Braves Rid of Waldichuk and Wisely for Cash

The time on the Braves roster was very short-lived for Ken Waldichuk and Brett Wisely. Both players had been DFA-type guys for the past several months. Waldichuk hasn’t pitched in MLB in nearly three years and posted an ugly mid-5.00 ERA in 141 innings in ’23.

Atlanta signed him to an $825K contract, but ultimately had to DFA him after signing Tyler Kinley, and formulating its 4-man roster ahead of Spring Training in six weeks. Waldichuk had a very small percentage chance of making a real impact with the Braves. As for Brett Wisely, he got six at-bats with the Braves in 2025 and did not record a hit after seeing a small amount of time with the San Francisco Giants.

GettyMESA, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 18: Ken Waldichuk #30 of the Oakland Athletics poses for a portrait during photo day at HoHoKam Stadium on February 18, 2025 in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

With the Braves acquiring cash for these two players, they may go out and try to sign a backup catcher, as signs point to Sean Murphy missing the start of the 2026 season.

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What Else Do the Braves Need to Do This Offseason?

The Braves have had a very busy and successful offseason to this point. Alex Anthopoulos has poured millions into the bullpen so far, but many still believe the team needs to make another addition for an impact arm, and even Anthopoulos has said it himself.

As for the rest of the roster, the infield need is minimized after bringing on Ha-Seong Kim, and Atlanta added much-needed outfield depth with Mike Yastrzemski.

The next part of this offseason might come with a lot of trade speculation and rumors. If the Braves roster continues to fill, it’s possible Atlanta tries to clear up some financial things ahead of the new season.

They continue to be linked to high-profile free agent starters like Chris Bassitt, Zac Gallen, and Zack Littell, but those price ranges might start to become out of the Braves’ budget.

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