The early offseason moves are starting to stack up for the Braves. It began with a bang, as Alex Anthopoulos sent Jorge Soler to the Angels in exchange for right-handed pitcher Griffin Canning. Earlier today, utility man Cavan Biggio elected free agency, and most recently, the Braves announced the re-acquisition of minor-leaguer Royber Salinas.
Salinas was a part of the trade that brought Sean Murphy to Atlanta two offseasons ago. He’s a big arm that put up some absolutely absurd strikeout numbers in the lower levels of the minors before being traded to the A’s, posting a 3.55 ERA and 14.4 K/9 with Augusta and Rome in 2022.
As a member of the Athletics organization, he’s struggled with injuries and some really poor control. This year, Salinas posted a 4.60 ERA over 43 innings, making just 10 starts. He did strikeouts 10.5 batters per nine innings, but he also walked 7.1 batters per nine.
There’s a high chance Royber Salinas never amounts to much with the Braves either, but this is a lottery ticket on a big arm who just needs to harness his control a little bit. It’s a plus that he’s going back to an organization that he is familiar with, and at just 23 years old, there’s still plenty of time for him to work out the kinks.
Up to this point in his professional career, Salinas has been utilized almost exclusively as a starting pitcher. Don’t be surprised if the Braves try him out as a reliever, a role that could suit his pitching profile much better if he can start limiting the walks.
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Photo: Larry Radloff/Icon Sportswire
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