BREAKING: Braves sign talented Pitcher to bolster their pitching depth
The Atlanta Braves have added to their pitching depth by signing right-hander Chad Kuhl to a minor league deal, according to Aram Leighton of Just Baseball. MLB Trade Rumors also reports that Kuhl is expected to be a non-roster invitee for Atlanta’s big league spring training.
Since departing the Pirates after the 2021 season, Kuhl has bounced between teams, with his best season coming in 2017 when he made 31 starts for Pittsburgh, logging 157.1 innings with a 4.35 ERA and a career-high 2.2 fWAR. However, he struggled to replicate that success and has since hovered around zero or negative fWAR.
The Braves and RHP Chad Kuhl have agreed to a minor league deal, sources tell @JustBB_Media
Kuhl pitched to a 5.06 ERA in 53 1/3 innings out of the White Sox bullpen last season.
— Aram Leighton (@AramLeighton8) February 5, 2025
More recently, Kuhl has transitioned from a starting role to the bullpen. In 2024, he pitched 53.1 innings over 31 appearances for the White Sox, recording a 5.06 ERA, 4.10 FIP, and 0.3 fWAR—his best season since 2022 when he was a starter for the Rockies. His effectiveness last season came from limiting hard contact and inducing ground balls, ranking in the 82nd percentile for Barrel% and 70th percentile for Ground Ball%. He also improved his control, reducing his walk rate to 4.22 BB/9, closer to his career average.
Kuhl will now compete for a spot on the Braves’ pitching staff, likely in a long-relief role. While his place on the Opening Day roster is uncertain, he could provide depth and see big league action as the season unfolds.