The Atlanta Braves made a quiet but familiar addition to their pitching depth on Tuesday morning, signing left-hander Danny Young to a one-year, split contract. While it’s not a headline-grabbing move, it’s the kind of under-the-radar signing that can quietly pay off over the course of a long season-especially for a team with postseason aspirations.
Young, 31, was recently outrighted by the New York Mets, opening the door for Atlanta to bring him back into the fold. Braves fans may remember his brief stint with the club back in 2022, when he bounced on and off the roster in a classic up-and-down relief role. Now, he returns to Atlanta with a bit more mileage-and a major surgery-under his belt.
That surgery, of course, is Tommy John, which Young underwent in May. That means he won’t be an option for the bullpen early in the 2025 season, but the Braves are clearly thinking long-term with this move. If his rehab stays on track, Young could be a mid-to-late season reinforcement, the kind of fresh arm that can help stabilize a bullpen during the dog days or provide depth in September when every inning counts.
The split nature of the deal gives Atlanta some roster flexibility, and it allows Young the chance to work his way back at his own pace. It’s a low-risk signing with potential upside-especially if he can return to the form that made him a useful lefty option in his previous stint with the Braves.
Around the Braves Organization:
The Braves’ offseason evaluation rolls on, with continued looks at key players and prospects. The spotlight now shifts to Spencer Strider, whose 2025 season is under review. On the minor league side, the organization is keeping tabs on several intriguing names, including Cooper McMurray, Mason Guerra, Rolddy Munoz, and Kade Woods-each of whom could play a role in shaping the club’s future.
Elsewhere Around MLB:
The Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly bolstering their rotation with a three-year, $30 million deal for right-hander Cody Ponce. The agreement is pending a physical and hasn’t been officially announced, but it signals Toronto’s intent to add reliable innings to their staff.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Angels have taken a flyer on right-hander Alek Manoah, signing him to a one-year, $1.95 million contract. Manoah, who was non-tendered by the Braves, will look to reset his career with a fresh start in Anaheim.
And in Houston, the Astros are dipping into the international market, agreeing to a one-year deal with KBO right-hander Ryan Weiss. The contract reportedly guarantees Weiss $2.6 million, as Houston looks to add depth and versatility to its pitching staff.
As teams continue to shape their rosters ahead of spring training, these kinds of moves-whether it’s a familiar face returning from injury or a fresh arm from overseas-can make all the difference by the time October rolls around.