Atlanta Braves Continue to Attract Former A’s Talent
In a recent move that further solidifies the Atlanta Braves’ relationship with former Oakland Athletics players, pitcher Dany Jiménez has inked a minor league deal with the team. This signing, reported by MLB insider Mike Rodriguez, sees Jiménez joining the Braves on a one-year contract valued at $785,000, along with an invitation to Spring Training.
The Braves seem to have a penchant for acquiring talent from the Athletics, evident in the roster makeup. Notable former A’s players in the Braves’ ranks include Grant Holmes, Sean Murphy, Nick Allen, and Matt Olson. The 2024 season also saw the likes of Ramon Laureano, Jesse Chavez, and Parker Dunshee don the Braves uniform. Adding to this trend, the Braves recently secured Conner Capel and Jordan Weems, further cementing the bond between the two franchises.
Jiménez’s journey to Atlanta has been a circuitous one, with stints in various organizations preceding his time with the A’s. Initially signed as an amateur free agent by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2015, Jiménez found himself selected by the San Francisco Giants in the Rule 5 Draft in 2019, only to be returned to the Blue Jays in 2020 after limited appearances. A brief spell with the Giants saw Jiménez logging two games, culminating in a 6.75 ERA.
The A’s picked up Jiménez in the subsequent Rule 5 Draft, marking the beginning of a fruitful three-year tenure with the team. His standout performance in 2022, where he assumed closer duties and tallied 11 saves alongside a 3.41 ERA in over 34 innings, underscored his potential impact on the mound.
Despite a promising trajectory, Jiménez encountered setbacks in the 2023 season due to a right shoulder injury that sidelined him for a significant period. The following season saw mixed results, prompting his assignment to Triple-A Las Vegas in May 2024 after struggling with form and injuries. A series of roster movements ensued, with Jiménez shuttling between the majors and minors before opting for free agency post the 2024 campaign.
A Promising Future with the Braves
As Jiménez embarks on a new chapter with the Atlanta Braves, the team aims to leverage his past success and experience in high-pressure situations. Given the Braves’ bullpen’s impressive ranking as the third-best in MLB with a 3.32 ERA, Jiménez’s addition provides valuable depth and insurance against potential injury woes that plagued the team in the previous season.
With Atlanta’s confidence in Jiménez’s ability to anchor the bullpen—a role he excelled in during his tenure with the A’s—the Braves anticipate a seamless transition for the pitcher. His proven track record of delivering in crucial late-game scenarios positions him as a cost-effective asset for the upcoming season, bolstering the team’s roster with a seasoned arm ready to bolster their pitching arsenal.