Despite a tough 2024 season, the skills of this right-handed pitcher continue to be sought after.
Several teams have expressed interest in an Atlanta Braves relief pitcher. According to MLB insider Jon Morosi, veteran righty Ken Giles is being evaluated for a minor league contract.
Because no specific organizations were named, we cannot confirm whether the Braves intend to re-sign him.
Giles is most known for his 2019 season with the Toronto Blue Jays. In 53 appearances, he had a 1.87 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 23 saves, and 83 strikeouts in 53 innings.
In portions of eight Major League seasons, he has a 2.71 ERA, a 1.11 WHIP, 484 strikeouts, and 355 1/3 innings pitched. His final MLB appearance occurred in 2022, with the Seattle Mariners.
While he has a proven track record of accomplishment, we didn’t witness any of it when he was with the Braves.
The 34-year-old righty played the full 2024 season with Triple-A Gwinnett. In 42 appearances, he posted a 6.28 ERA, a 1.37 WHIP, 1.9 home runs per nine innings, and 58 strikeouts in 38 2/3 innings thrown.
He appeared three times for the Braves during Spring Training. He struck out five batters and gave up one earned run in three innings.
For reference, 1.9 home runs per nine innings in 2024 was nearly three times the rate he allowed in the Major Leagues (0.7).
While his punch-out pitch is still effective, he struggled with baserunners and long balls.
If the Braves sign him for 2025, he will be another depth piece unless he finds his stride again.
This summer, the Braves have continued to build up their depth alternatives. They acquired righty Davis Daniel from the Angels on Friday.
Earlier this week, Jordan Weems was believed to have inked a minor league agreement with them. Ray Kerr and Royber Salinas, who were non-tendered, were both re-signed to minor league contracts. Right-hander Wander Suero was also signed to a minor league contract.
They chose Anderson Pilar in the Marlins’ Rule 5 Draft and just signed Connor Gillispie to a one-year, non-guaranteed contract. So, if they don’t keep Giles, they have plenty of backup options in the minors.
