The Braves are making some under-the-radar moves to shore up their bullpen depth, and the latest addition is right-hander Ian Hamilton, signed to a one-year, non-guaranteed deal. It’s not a splashy move, but it’s a classic example of a team looking to build out its pitching options with a low-risk, potentially high-reward arm.
Hamilton, now 30, spent the 2025 season with the Yankees, where he appeared in 36 games and threw 40 innings with a 4.28 ERA. Those numbers don’t jump off the page, but they do hint at a pitcher who can eat innings and hold his own in middle relief.
That said, his time in the minors last year-19 games, 6.00 ERA-suggests there’s still some inconsistency to work through. The Braves are clearly betting on their development system to help Hamilton find more stability.
This signing isn’t about finding a new setup man or closer-it’s about creating depth, giving the Braves another option who’s had big-league experience and can potentially contribute if injuries or performance issues arise during the grind of a 162-game season.
Around the Braves
In other roster news, Atlanta outrighted right-hander Anthony Molina to Triple-A Gwinnett, clearing a spot on the 40-man roster. Molina has shown flashes of potential, but this move signals the team is comfortable keeping him in the system without a guaranteed big-league role for now.
Meanwhile, Osvaldo Bido is heading to Tampa Bay after being claimed off waivers by the Rays. Bido had some intriguing moments in 2025, and Tampa’s track record with pitching development makes this a move worth keeping an eye on.
Also, the Braves’ 2025 player review series wrapped up with a spotlight on Ronald Acuña Jr.-a fitting end, considering the superstar’s continued impact on the franchise. And looking ahead, the club continues to do its homework on 2026 draft prospects, with outfielder AJ Garcia from the University of Virginia emerging as a name to watch.
Around the League
Elsewhere across the league, Friday brought a flurry of movement.
The Astros, Pirates, and Rays pulled off a three-team deal that sent second baseman Brandon Lowe to Pittsburgh. Lowe brings power and postseason experience to a young Pirates team looking to take the next step.
The Orioles made a big swing of their own, acquiring right-hander Shane Baz from the Rays in exchange for four prospects and a draft pick. Baz has electric stuff when healthy, and Baltimore’s betting on his upside as they continue to build a formidable rotation.
And in a smaller but still notable move, the Royals picked up lefty Matt Strahm from the Phillies in a trade for right-hander Jonathan Bowlan. Strahm gives Kansas City a versatile bullpen piece who can handle multiple roles.
As the offseason continues, these are the kinds of transactions that may not dominate headlines now but could end up playing key roles once the games start counting again. For the Braves, Hamilton represents a depth play with some upside-exactly the kind of move that can quietly pay dividends over the course of a long season.