Two Braves depth pieces found new homes with teams trying to fill out their roster but unwilling or unable to spend to fill their need.
Everyone needs roster depth, and former Atlanta Braves players seem a popular choice this offseason. Jesse Chavez is a Ranger (again), Gio Urshela is an Athletic, Zach Short’s now an Astro, and Alan Winans is a Yankee. Yesterday, two more found new homes.
Braves News: Forrest Wall and Connor Gillispie snapped up by new teams as teams get ready for spring training
Forrest Wall signed a minor league deal with the Padres Tuesday. Wall was part of the Atlanta Braves 104-win 2023 team, making his Major League debut in July and appearing in 15 regular-season games, primarily as a defensive replacement for Eddie Rosario and pinch runner. The Braves named him to the postseason roster, and he appeared in Game 3 of the NLDS.
Wall returned to Atlanta in 2004 and appeared in 13 games before being put on waivers and claimed by Miami at the end of July. He appeared in three games for the Marlins, who tried to sneak him through waivers at the end of August. The Orioles claimed him, but he didn’t make an appearance for the team and was released after postseason play ended.
Padres, Forrest Wall Agree To Minor League Deal https://t.co/LvJgvkjkbZ pic.twitter.com/P49ZSof3x0
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) January 29, 2025
Connor, we hardly knew you.
Yesterday, the Marlins claimed Connor Gillispie from Atlanta. The Braves signed Gillispie in November as they sought to shore up the bullpen following the departure of Jesse Chavez and AJ Minter to free agency and the news that Joe Jiménez would miss the 2025 season after knee injury surgery.
Gillispie made only three appearances for the Guardians last year, but the Braves liked what they saw in his minor league numbers and signed Gillispie a week after Cleveland released him. The signing of Jurickson Profar meant Atlanta needed a 40-man slot, and designated Gillispie for assignment, hoping no one would claim him.
That’s a Wrap
Wall was a free agent, but Gillispie looked a promising bullpen piece because he has two option years remaining. It would have been nice to hang on to them as roster depth, but neither loss is going to move the needle much for Atlanta heading into 2025. We wish them both good luck with their new team, except, of course, when they play the Braves.
