Braves Pitcher Julio Teherán Announces Retirement After Long Career

Former Atlanta Braves pitcher Julio Teherán has officially announced his retirement from professional baseball at age 35, bringing an end to a career that saw him serve as the Braves’ pitching anchor throughout much of the 2010s.

Teherán revealed the decision after representing Colombia national baseball team in the World Baseball Classic. Following Colombia’s elimination from the tournament, the veteran right-hander said stepping away from the game was a difficult but necessary choice.

“It was a very difficult decision. Thank you all for your support.”

A Staple of the Braves Rotation

For years, Teherán was synonymous with the Braves’ pitching staff. While he was never known for overpowering numbers or Cy Young contention, he was one of the most dependable starters in the league.

Some of his biggest accomplishments include:

• Six consecutive Opening Day starts for Atlanta (2014–2019)

• Two All-Star selections (2014, 2016)

• Fifth place in NL Rookie of the Year voting in 2013

Teherán debuted in MLB at just 20 years old in 2011, and by 2013 he had secured a full-time role in Atlanta’s rotation, making 30 starts that season.

Between 2013 and 2019, he became the Braves’ most reliable arm, making at least 30 starts every season with a 3.64 ERA during that stretch.

Leading the Braves During the Rebuild

During Atlanta’s rebuilding years from 2015 through 2017, Teherán effectively served as the team’s ace.

Even though those Braves teams struggled in the standings, Teherán provided stability at the top of the rotation. His durability and consistency made him one of the few constants during a turbulent period for the franchise.

He also played a role in two important Braves seasons:

• The 2013 NL East division title

• The surprising 2018 NL East championship

Alongside franchise cornerstone Freddie Freeman, Teherán was one of the few players who experienced both eras of Braves baseball.

Career Numbers With Atlanta

Teherán spent nine seasons with the Braves (2011–2019) and compiled most of his career achievements in Atlanta.

Key numbers from his Braves tenure:

• 229 appearances

• 77 wins (out of 81 career wins)

• 20.2 WAR (bWAR)

Despite leaving Atlanta at only 28 years old, his most productive seasons were already behind him.

Journeyman Years After Atlanta

After departing the Braves in 2019, Teherán spent the later years of his career moving between several organizations.

He pitched for multiple teams across the next five seasons, though he never made more than 11 starts in a single season during that span.

His final MLB appearance came in April 2024 with the New York Mets — fittingly against his former team, the Braves.

The outing was rough, as Teherán allowed four runs in 2.2 innings, but it marked the closing chapter of his major league career.

In 2025, he continued pitching in the Mexican League before representing Colombia internationally.

A Memorable Personal Milestone

When reflecting on his career, Teherán said one moment stood above the rest: his streak of six consecutive Opening Day starts for Atlanta.

For a starting pitcher, being trusted with Opening Day honors is a symbol of leadership and reliability — and Teherán carried that responsibility for nearly an entire era of Braves baseball.

Legacy With the Braves

Even though Teherán never won a Cy Young Award or dominated the headlines, his value to Atlanta during the 2010s shouldn’t be overlooked.

He provided:

• Stability during rebuilding years

• Durability with consistent 30-start seasons

• Leadership in the pitching rotation

For Braves fans, it’s hard to imagine those mid-2010s teams without him.

✅ Career snapshot:

• MLB debut: 2011

• Braves tenure: 2011–2019

• All-Star appearances: 2

• Opening Day starts: 6 consecutive

• Career wins: 81 (77 with Atlanta)

Teherán leaves the game as one of the most recognizable pitchers from the Braves’ 2010s era. While his career may not have been flashy, his reliability and longevity made him a key figure in Atlanta’s pitching history.

⚾ The Braves’ former ace now begins the next chapter of his life after more than a decade in professional baseball.