To the chagrin of many fans, the Atlanta Braves have remained relatively quiet during the offseason so far. There are still needs to be met and at least one move of note is inevitable. Amongst the still available players, there are a few former Braves players could be in those plans for 2025 to fill those needs. Below we cover the remaining former Atlanta players still in need of a job.
Luke Jackson
Jackson found his way back to Atlanta in 2024 after being acquired in the team’s trade for Jorge Soler at the deadline. It wasn’t a great experience as Jackson pitched to a 4.50 ERA over 18 innings for the Braves.
Despite his overall 5.09 ERA last season, a deeper look shows his value as he excelled at inducing ground balls and strikeouts with an impressive 51.4% groundball rate and 25.1% K-rate. What dragged him down last season was underperformance in walk, barrel, and hard-hit percentage.
Jesse Chavez
Chavez turned 41 this season and indicated that 2024 would more than likely be his final season. He started the season with the White Sox but after being cut by one of the worst teams in baseball, the journeyman reliever found his way back to Atlanta. The magic of Chavez in a Braves uniform continued as he had a 3.13 ERA over 63.1 innings with 19 walks and 55 strikeouts. He has not indicated if he will return in 2025.
— Braves On FanDuel Sports Network (@FanDuelSNBraves) July 2, 2024
Adam Duvall
2024 was a rough season for Duvall as he posted a -1.4 WAR with a .182 average, 11 HR, 30 RBI, 21 BB, and 99 K. He was signed by the Braves to platoon with Jarred Kelenic but his poor performance allowed Kelenic to see more playing time.
Adam still provided serviceable defense as indicated by his 1 OAA. He also earned a 10.7% barrel rate which is impressive but outside of that, his offensive metrics were terrible. There doesn’t seem to be any reason for the Braves to bring him back next season.
Tyler Matzek
Matzek started the 2024 season in Atlanta and struggled with a 9.90 ERA over 10 innings. He returned from Tommy John surgery so there was a decrease in velocity which didn’t give Matzek a lot of room for error. The lefty landed on the IL after 11 games with elbow inflammation.
He was eventually traded to the Giants alongside Sabin Ceballos in exchange for Jorge Soler and Luke Jackson. He did not appear in any games with the Giants but did make rehab appearances in the team’s minor league system. He returned to the Braves in September after being released by San Francisco.
Ramon Laureano
Laureano had a rough start to the 2024 season as he was released by the Guardians after he posted a .143 average over 70 at-bats. However, things changed once he was signed by the Braves on a minor league deal. He raked for the Gwinnett Stripers over 14 games with a .362 average.
An injury to Michael Harris II led to Laureano being called up in mid-June and he played better than anyone could have expected. He hit to a .296 average with 10 HR, 29 RBI, and a 128 OPS+. His defensive range wasn’t great last season indicated by a -6 OAA, but his arm strength continued to be one of the best in baseball with an arm value of 4 and a 90.7 arm strength grade. Fans thought he may return in 2025 but the Braves non-tendered him this offseason.
— Braves On FanDuel Sports Network (@FanDuelSNBraves) July 10, 2024
AJ Minter
Minter is one of the few names on this list that makes a lot of sense to return to Atlanta next season. A hip injury ended his 2024 season prematurely but he was impressive when he was on the field. The Texas native had a 2.62 ERA over 34.1 innings with 11 walks and 35 strikeouts.
It would make perfect sense for the Braves to bring him back next season. Atlanta has been rumored to be interested in lefty Tanner Scott, but his price range has been reported to be extremely high. Minter’s injury leaves some concern over how he will pitch after recovering from surgery on his hip. However, he has proven to be one of the best relievers in baseball so he may be worth taking a chance on.
