The Atlanta Braves announced Friday they have claimed right-handed pitcher Royber Salinas off waivers from the Oakland Athletics. This 23-year-old pitcher previously spent time with the Braves’ minor league organization but was traded to Oakland in the deal that brought Sean Murphy to Atlanta. Salinas showed promise in 2024, posting a 4.60 ERA across ten appearances for the Athletics’ Double-A and Triple-A affiliates. Despite his struggles with control, with 34 walks over 43 innings, he also managed an impressive 50 strikeouts, hinting at his potential as a high-strikeout pitcher. Salinas’ minor league career shows his capability to pile up strikeouts, with 422 over 296 innings, although he’s also walked 174 batters during that time.
In other Braves news, utility player Cavan Biggio has elected free agency. Biggio joined Atlanta in September, and his future in the league will now unfold in free agency. Additionally, the Braves’ season review series has launched, beginning with analyses of players Joey Wendle and Zach Logue.
Across the MLB, several notable roster decisions were announced on Friday. The Arizona Diamondbacks exercised their $15 million option on infielder Eugenio Suarez, securing his spot for another season. Meanwhile, the New York Yankees have picked up their $2.5 million option on right-handed pitcher Luke Weaver, adding depth to their pitching staff for 2025. The Dodgers’ veteran pitcher Clayton Kershaw, preparing for another season, revealed he will undergo surgery on both his left toe and knee.
The Tampa Bay Rays have chosen to exercise their option on infielder Brandon Lowe, who will earn $10.5 million next season. Among the free agent moves, left-hander Blake Snell has opted out of his contract with the San Francisco Giants and is now available on the open market. The Marlins, meanwhile, picked up right-hander Christian Roa off waivers from the Reds, adding another arm to their bullpen.
Other notable transactions include the White Sox declining catcher Max Stassi’s $7.5 million option, making him a free agent, and Rhys Hoskins exercising his player option to remain with the Milwaukee Brewers at an $18 million salary for 2025. The Los Angeles Angels, looking to strengthen their infield, have acquired Scott Kingery from the Phillies in a cash deal. Finally, the Texas Rangers announced they have hired Justin Viele as their new hitting coach; Viele previously worked as the co-hitting coach for the San Francisco Giants.
These moves mark the beginning of an offseason filled with team adjustments as MLB franchises position themselves for a successful 2025 season.
