The Braves didn’t wait long to make their first move of Spring Training, pulling off a quiet but purposeful trade Tuesday night to bolster their infield depth. With injuries already shaping the early tone of camp, Atlanta brought back a familiar face in Brett Wisely, acquiring the versatile infielder from the Tampa Bay Rays for cash considerations.
This wasn’t a headline-grabbing blockbuster - and it wasn’t meant to be. It’s a smart, low-risk addition aimed at keeping the roster flexible while the team navigates a few key absences.
Wisely, 26, isn’t new to Atlanta. The Braves first picked him up off waivers from the Giants late last season and clearly liked what they saw.
Now, with a few holes opening up in the infield, they’ve moved quickly to bring him back into the fold.
To make room on the 40-man roster, the Braves placed right-hander Joe Jiménez on the 60-day injured list. Jiménez is still recovering from a left articular cartilage injury and hasn’t pitched since 2024. This move essentially confirms what had been suspected - he’s not expected to contribute until at least midseason, if at all.
As for Wisely, he brings a lot of what teams covet this time of year: versatility, familiarity, and a left-handed bat. He can handle second base, shortstop, and even the outfield, giving Atlanta a valuable plug-and-play option as they sort out their early-season infield picture.
And that picture is already getting complicated. Starting shortstop Ha-Seong Kim is expected to miss a significant chunk of the first half, which puts Mauricio Dubon in line to take over everyday duties.
Behind him, the Braves are piecing together a utility group that now includes Wisely, Kyle Farmer, Jorge Mateo, and Luke Williams. It’s a mix of gloves, speed, and situational bats - and Wisely’s lefty profile gives the group a bit more balance.
This kind of move may not move the needle in February, but it’s the type of roster management that can pay off when the grind of a 162-game season kicks in. The Braves aren’t just building a lineup - they’re building options. And Wisely, with his defensive reliability and positional flexibility, fits right into that plan.