{"id":117676,"date":"2025-11-07T00:45:19","date_gmt":"2025-11-07T00:45:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=117676"},"modified":"2025-11-07T00:45:19","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T00:45:19","slug":"%e2%9a%be-offseason-shake-up-in-atlanta-the-braves-have-officially-declined-club-options-on-relievers-tyler-kinley-and-pierce-johnson-marking-the-start-of-what-could-be-a-major-bullpen-overhaul-this","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=117676","title":{"rendered":"\u26be OFFSEASON SHAKE-UP IN ATLANTA: The Braves have officially declined club options on relievers Tyler Kinley and Pierce Johnson, marking the start of what could be a major bullpen overhaul this winter. The moves free up nearly $12 million in payroll space, giving Atlanta flexibility to chase new arms or reallocate funds toward rotation depth. For fans, it\u2019s a bittersweet decision \u2014 two veterans who helped steady the pen at times now hit free agency, as the Braves look to reshape their pitching identity for 2026."},"content":{"rendered":"
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ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – The Atlanta Braves on Thursday declined club options on two right-handed relivers, according to the team.<\/p>\n

Tyler Kinley, 34, will receive a $750K buyout and head into free agency rather than collecting a $5.5 million salary for the 2026 season. Pierce Johnson, 34, will collect a $250K buyout instead of a guaranteed $7 million salary for the 2026 season.<\/p>\n

The move on Johnson can be somewhat justified, but the move on Kinley is certainly surprising, given his play for Atlanta upon joining the Braves at the trade deadline from Colorado.<\/p>\n

Kinley allowed just two runs over 25 innings for the Braves, posting a 0.68 WHIP and earning a place in former manager Brian Snitker\u2019s \u201cCircle of Trust,\u201d the group of relievers he relied on in high-leverage situations.<\/p>\n

In two and a half seasons for Atlanta, Johnson pitched to a 2.91 ERA across 139 innings (1.19 WHIP) and was a silver lining in an all-around unreliable bullpen in 2025.<\/p>\n

It was expected that the Braves would retain both pitchers, but these moves signal that the club is attempting to free up money. It wouldn\u2019t be surprising to see both right-handers back on cheaper deals.<\/p>\n

Regardless, both relievers are now free agents, raising an interesting question in a reliever class led by Edwin Diaz and Robert Suarez.<\/p>\n

Right-hander Raisel Iglesias officially became a free agent on Sunday.<\/p>\n

BRAVES OFFSEASON COVERAGE: <\/b><\/p>\n

Atlanta Braves name Walt Weiss team\u2019s next manager<\/p>\n

Report: Braves pick up options for P Chris Sale, 2B Ozzie Albies<\/p>\n

Braves add 2 former Mets coaches to Walt Weiss\u2019 staff<\/p>\n

Braves SS Ha-Seong Kim declines player option, enters free agency<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/article>\n

<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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