The Braves introduced that they’ve signed right-hander Connor Gillispie to a one-year, non-guaranteed contract. Monetary phrases weren’t disclosed. They’ve a number of openings on their 40-man roster and gained’t must make a corresponding transfer. Bob Nightengale of USA Right this moment (X hyperlink) reported the deal previous to the official announcement.
Gillispie, 27, simply made his main league debut in 2024. Although he was drafted by the Orioles in 2019 and was with them by means of the 2023 season, the Guardians nabbed him within the minor league section of final yr’s Rule 5 draft. Cleveland chosen him to the massive league roster in August and he tossed eight innings for them down the stretch, permitting two earned runs. Final week, the Guardians added 4 gamers to their roster to guard them from this yr’s Rule 5, with Gillispie designated for project to open a spot.
He was later non-tendered and have become a free agent with out being uncovered to waivers, with Atlanta rapidly providing him a roster spot to get him off the market. The temporary main league debut wasn’t a lot to go on, so Atlanta has presumably been enticed by his minor league work. Gillispie tossed 113 1/3 Triple-A innings in a swing function this yr, making 15 begins and 12 aid appearances. He allowed 4.05 earned runs per 9 innings, hanging out 25% of opponents towards a ten.1% stroll price whereas surrendering 22 house runs.
That’s roughly just like the work he did within the Orioles’ system. From 2021 to 2023, he tossed 292 2/3 innings within the minors, beginning 50 of his 73 appearances. He had a 4.15 ERA, 23.8% strikeout price and 9.3% stroll price in that point whereas permitting 48 lengthy balls.
Maybe Atlanta will attempt to transfer Gillispie to the bullpen on a extra everlasting foundation, as he posted a 4.68 ERA as a starter this yr however a 2.63 mark in aid. Nonetheless it performs out, Gillispie nonetheless has choices and only a few days of service time, which means he can theoretically be cheaply retained nicely into the longer term if he continues to hold on to his roster spot. Atlanta’s pitching workers simply misplaced Max Fried, Charlie Morton, A.J. Minter, Jesse Chavez and John Brebbia to free company, whereas Joe Jiménez not too long ago underwent knee surgical procedure and will miss the whole 2025 season.
