Braves Re-Sign Two Pitchers to Strengthen Rotational Depth
The Atlanta Braves have taken a proactive step in their offseason strategy by re-signing two pitchers, Carlos Carrasco and Darius Vines, to minor league contracts. This move reflects the team’s commitment to maintaining a robust pitching depth as they navigate the uncertainties of player availability and performance.
Retaining Experience with Carrasco
Carlos Carrasco, a seasoned veteran, returns to the Braves following a season marred by injury challenges. Acquired from the Yankees just before the trade deadline last year, Carrasco was brought in to provide essential starting pitching depth as injuries began to mount within the rotation. During his brief stint with Atlanta, the 38-year-old made three starts, posting a 9.88 ERA and a 2.12 WHIP over 13 2/3 innings.
His initial outing was promising, as he allowed three earned runs over six innings, showcasing the potential that led to his acquisition. However, his subsequent performances fell short, with each of his final two starts resulting in six earned runs. Ultimately, Carrasco was designated for assignment but chose to stay within the Braves organization by signing a minor league deal after hitting the free-agent market.
Vines: A Look to the Future
Darius Vines, drafted in the seventh round in 2019, has been part of the Braves system for several years. Although he spent the past season on the injured list, he was assigned to Double-A Columbus and pitched his last game on August 18, 2024, with Double-A Mississippi. In his limited appearances over the past two seasons, Vines made nine appearances, four of which were starts, recording a 5.82 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP across 34 innings.
The Braves are clearly prioritizing depth in their pitching staff, especially given the injury woes that have plagued them in recent seasons. Even if Carrasco and Vines do not make it back to the Major League level, their presence in the organization provides crucial options as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
Looking Ahead
As the offseason progresses, the Braves are poised to make further moves, especially after offloading some salary in recent transactions. The landscape of the roster is shifting, with notable decisions already made regarding player options. While Chris Sale and Ozzie Albies had their options exercised, Pierce Johnson and Tyler Kinley did not, and Ha-Seong Kim opted out of his contract. Meanwhile, Marcell Ozuna and Raisel Iglesias are now unrestricted free agents, leaving their futures uncertain.
As the Braves continue to build their roster, the focus will remain on finding the right balance of experience and youth. While the initial moves may seem modest, they lay the groundwork for a potentially transformative offseason ahead. As the weeks unfold, fans can expect a mix of quiet consolidation and potential major additions as the team looks to enhance its championship aspirations.
