ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - The Atlanta Braves are bringing back right-hander Tyler Kinley on a one-year deal, according to the team.
The Braves designated left-hander reliever Ken Waldichuk, who they claimed off waivers from the Athletics on Thursday, to make room for Kinley on the 40-man roster. Kinley’s deal is worth $4.25 million with a club option for 2027. The team declined Kinley’s $5.5 million option in November.
The Atlanta #Braves today signed RHP Tyler Kinley to a one-year contract for the 2026 season with a club option for 2027: pic.twitter.com/masJF87lzO
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) January 10, 2026
Kinley, 35, was majestic for the Braves after they acquired him from the Colorado Rockies at the trade deadline, allowing just two earned runs in 25 innings for a 0.72 ERA.
Atlanta’s bullpen, after being a major factor toward its losing season in 2025, is becoming a pillar of strength. In addition to Kinley, the Braves brought back Raisel Iglesias (one year, $16 million) and signed top setup reliever Robert Suarez (three years, $45 million). Atlanta also added right-hander Ian Hamilton and southpaw Danny Young.
Across 72.2 innings between Colorado and Atlanta last season, Kinley had a 3.96 ERA and 73 strikeouts. He ranked in the 100th percentile across qualified pitchers last season by allowing a hard-hit rate of 29.6%.
BRAVES OFFSEASON COVERAGE
- Cooperstown bound? Making the case for Andruw Jones’ Hall of Fame candidacy
- Braves claim LHP Ken Waldichuk off waivers from Athletics
- Braves sign SS Ha-Seong Kim to 1-year, $20 million deal
- Braves bolster bullpen, outfield with additions of Suarez, Yastrzemski
- Braves great Dale Murphy falls short in Baseball Hall of Fame voting
- Braves sign right-hander Joel Payamps to 1-year deal
- Braves tender contracts to 5 players, including newly acquired Dubón
- Braves top off busy night by acquiring utilityman Mauricio Dubón from Astros
- Braves bring back RHP Raisel Iglesias on one-year deal
- Braves finalize coaching staff for 2026 season
- Braves decline club options on relievers Tyler Kinley, Pierce Johnson
- Atlanta Braves name Walt Weiss team’s next manager
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