This past November, the Braves opted to decline team options on Pierce Johnson and Tyler Kinley, both valuable relievers out of the bullpen last year. Fast forward to January, and Kinley is back. Atlanta re-signed Tyler Kinley, giving new manager Walt Weiss another potent arm for his bullpen next season.
Kinley re-signs with Braves
The Braves announced that the team re-signed Tyler Kinley to a one-year deal worth $3MM. He’ll also receive a $5.25MM club option for the 2027 campaign ($1.25MM buyout).
Atlanta declined a $5MM club option on Kinley back in November, one that came attached with a $750,000 buyout. Thus, the Braves saved some money by waiting to bring Kinley back via free agency, rather than exercising his team option.
Kinley was acquired in the summer from the Rockies, where many pitchers struggle to maintain a low ERA. However, the 34-year-old has traditionally been a good swing-and-miss pitcher and thrived as a Brave, much like Pierce Johnson did once he left Colorado.
The right-hander struck out 22 over 25 innings and posted a .72 ERA with the Braves last season.
Six invited to Brewers’ camp
Milwaukee signed former Rockies outfielder Greg Jones to a Minor League deal and also invited him to big league camp as a non-roster invite. Jones, a speedster who only played 24 total games in 2025, is one of six players who were officially invited to MLB Spring Training on the 10th.
That list included former Cardinals farmhand Drew Rom, Gerson Garabito, Eduardo Garcia, Eddys Leonard, and Darrien Miller.
Minor League signings throughout week
Aside from Jones, here’s a look at other notable players who signed Minor League deals this past week:
- Ben Anderson (Rangers)
- Christian Arroyo (Mets)
- Luken Baker (D-Backs)
- Hagen Danner (Reds)
- Noah Davis (Pirates)
- Thomas Hatch (D-Backs)
- Edward Olivares (Rays)
- Rene Pinto (Phillies)
- Michael Toglia (Reds)
- Jesus Tinoco (Marlins)
- Bruce Zimmermann (Cardinals)
Tinoco re-signed with the Marlins after he was outrighted and went to free agency in November.
Check out more of our MLB coverage, including a look at Jake McCarthy going to Colorado and Alex Bregman joining the Cubs.