ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – The Atlanta Braves are bringing back right-hander Tyler Kinley on a one-year deal, according to the team.
The Braves designated left-hander reliever Ken Waldichuk, who they claimed off waivers from the Athletics on Thursday, to make room for Kinley on the 40-man roster. Kinley’s deal is worth $4.25 million with a club option for 2027. The team declined Kinley’s $5.5 million option in November.
Kinley, 35, was majestic for the Braves after they acquired him from the Colorado Rockies at the trade deadline, allowing just two earned runs in 25 innings for a 0.72 ERA.
Atlanta’s bullpen, after being a major factor toward its losing season in 2025, is becoming a pillar of strength. In addition to Kinley, the Braves brought back Raisel Iglesias (one year, $16 million) and signed top setup reliever Robert Suarez (three years, $45 million). Atlanta also added right-hander Ian Hamilton and southpaw Danny Young.
Across 72.2 innings between Colorado and Atlanta last season, Kinley had a 3.96 ERA and 73 strikeouts. He ranked in the 100th percentile across qualified pitchers last season by allowing a hard-hit rate of 29.6%.
BRAVES OFFSEASON COVERAGE
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