Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Braves add right-hander López on 3-year deal

Written by 
Published in Baseball
Monday, 20 November 2023 12:29

ATLANTA -- While keeping up their search for starting pitching, the Atlanta Braves added another reliever to their bullpen Monday by agreeing to $30 million, three-year contract with right-hander Reynaldo López.

The deal calls for López to make $4 million in 2024 and $11 million in the next two seasons. There is an $8 million club option for 2027, with a $4 million buyout.

The 29-year-old López pitched for three teams in 2023, combining to go 3-7 with a 3.27 ERA and six saves over 68 appearances with the Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels and Cleveland Guardians. He had 83 strikeouts in 66 innings -- a career-best average of 11.3 Ks per nine innings -- with a fastball that averaged 98.2 mph.

The Braves, who had an MLB-leading 104 wins this past season but were eliminated in the NL Division Series for the second year in a row by Philadelphia, have been retooling their roster with an eye toward getting over the hump in the postseason.

They re-signed relievers Joe Jimenez and Pierce Johnson to multiyear deals, acquired left-handed reliever Aaron Bummer from the White Sox in a six-player trade and dealt former 21-game winner Kyle Wright, who is set to miss the entire 2024 season with a shoulder injury after sitting out most of this past season.

In exchange for Wright, the Braves landed former first-round draft pick Jackson Kowar, who has struggled with the Royals pitching mostly in relief. In a separate deal with Kansas City, Atlanta traded reliever Nick Anderson for $100,000.

All the moves have left the Braves with solid depth in a bullpen that also includes closer Raisel Iglesias and lefties A.J. Minter, Dylan Lee and Tyler Matzek. Daysbel Hernandez and Huascar Ynoa are other bullpen candidates.

"They just looked like they knew they wanted to win at all times," López said through a translator. "It's great to be part of that and can't wait to be out there."

The only clear move to address a dearth of starting pitching depth was exercising a $20 million option for 40-year-old Charlie Morton, who went 14-12 with a 3.64 ERA last season.

That is, unless they're planning to move López back to the rotation. He held that role with the White Sox from 2017-20, going 21-31 with a 4.76 ERA over 81 starts.

Other than one appearance as an opener, López has been used exclusively as a reliever the last two seasons, with much more success.

"I was open to both options, someone who was looking for a starter or reliever," López said. "Both options were open."

The Braves' rotation is led by All-Star Spencer Strider (20-5, 3.86, a franchise-record 281 strikeouts) and Max Fried, who is heading into his final season before becoming eligible for free agency. The other starting candidates are Bryce Elder, who was selected for the All-Star Game but struggled down the stretch, and 21-year-old top prospect AJ Smith-Shawver. Darius Vines, Allan Winans, Dylan Dodd and possibly 2023 first-round pick Hurston Waldrep could also be in the mix.

General manager Alex Anthopoulos appeared to be clearing payroll space to make a run at a starter with a series of moves that sliced 10 players off the Braves' 40-man roster in the past couple of weeks.

Atlanta declined a $9 million option for outfielder Eddie Rosario, cut ties with relievers Kirby Yates, Brad Hand and Collin McHugh, did not tender a contract to reliever Michael Tonkin, and dealt away arbitration-eligible players such as former ace Michael Soroka, infielder Nicky Lopez and Anderson.

One possible target is out of the running after Aaron Nola agreed to a seven-year deal to remain with the Phillies. Sonny Gray is thought to be another starter on Atlanta's wish list.

Read 130 times

Soccer

Kane: England youth give Tuchel incredible options

Kane: England youth give Tuchel incredible options

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsHarry Kane said incoming England coach Thomas Tuchel has been boost...

Weah 'moved on' from red card in Copa elimination

Weah 'moved on' from red card in Copa elimination

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsST. LOUIS -- United States midfielder Tim Weah said he has "moved o...

WSL: Everton down L'pool in derby, Man Utd win

WSL: Everton down L'pool in derby, Man Utd win

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsEverton claimed a famous 1-0 victory in the last ever Women's Super...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Hornets' Ball fined $100K for using anti-gay term

Hornets' Ball fined $100K for using anti-gay term

EmailPrintCharlotte Hornets star guard LaMelo Ball was fined $100,000 after using an anti-gay term d...

Wolves' Edwards fined $35K for obscene gesture

Wolves' Edwards fined $35K for obscene gesture

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMinnesota Timberwolves All-Star guard Anthony Edwards was fined $35...

Baseball

Ex-Reds manager Bell joins Blue Jays' front office

Ex-Reds manager Bell joins Blue Jays' front office

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsTORONTO -- The Toronto Blue Jays hired former Cincinnati Reds manag...

Ferrara, who won 2 titles with Dodgers, dies at 84

Ferrara, who won 2 titles with Dodgers, dies at 84

EmailPrintFormer outfielder Al "The Bull" Ferrara died Friday, the Los Angeles Dodgers announced. He...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated