The Braves’ pitching depth took a hit on Thursday, as left-hander José Suarez was claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Orioles. For Atlanta, it’s a move that trims the bullpen and sends a solid contributor from last season to a team that’s been actively reshaping its roster.
Suarez, 28, didn’t log a ton of innings for the Braves in 2025, but when he did take the mound, he made his presence felt. In seven appearances, he notched two wins, posted an impressive 1.86 ERA, and even picked up a save. That kind of production, albeit in a limited sample, gave Atlanta a reliable lefty option out of the pen-something that’s never in surplus over a 162-game grind.
Back in November, the Braves and Suarez had agreed to a $900K deal to avoid arbitration, a sign the club saw value in keeping him around. But as we’ve seen across the league this offseason, pitching depth is fluid, and Baltimore clearly saw an opportunity to strengthen its own bullpen by adding a proven arm.
More from the Braves
On the international front, shortstop Jose Mañon headlines Atlanta’s latest signing class. The Braves have a strong track record of identifying and developing international talent, and Mañon’s addition continues that pipeline. While he’s still a ways off from making noise at the big-league level, he’s a name to keep an eye on as the organization builds for the future.
Meanwhile, changes could be coming to how fans watch Braves games. The team’s broadcasting situation remains in flux, with updates expected in the coming weeks. It’s a storyline that could impact how and where fans tune in during the 2026 season.
Around the League
The Los Angeles Dodgers made another splash, locking in star outfielder Kyle Tucker on a four-year, $240 million deal. The contract includes opt-outs after the second and third years, giving Tucker some flexibility down the line. The New York Mets reportedly made a competitive offer of four years and $220 million, but the Dodgers ultimately sealed the deal.
In a three-team trade involving the Tampa Bay Rays, Los Angeles Angels, and Cincinnati Reds, several players swapped jerseys-including Josh Lowe and Gavin Lux. The deal reflects how aggressive teams are getting as they reshape rosters for 2026.
And in Arizona, the Diamondbacks added depth to their bullpen by signing reliever Taylor Clarke to a one-year, $1.55 million contract. It’s a low-risk move that gives the defending NL champs another veteran option late in games.
As the offseason continues to unfold, teams are clearly prioritizing flexibility and depth-both on the mound and across the diamond. The Braves’ loss of Suarez is just one more reminder of how quickly rosters can shift in today’s MLB landscape.