The Braves have reached an agreement on a minor league contract with right-handed pitcher Jake Walsh, as indicated in the transactions section of his MLB.com player page. The deal includes an invitation to participate in the big league Spring Training.
Walsh, 28, was selected in the 16th round of the 2017 draft by the Cardinals and initially started his professional career as a starter. However, in 2021, he transitioned to a full-time bullpen role. Between the 2021 and 2022 seasons, Walsh showcased his skills at both Double-A and Triple-A levels, posting an impressive combined 2.17 ERA and an impressive 37% strikeout rate. Unfortunately, he faced challenges during this period, spending significant time on the injured list, limiting him to just 40 innings.
While Walsh made his Major League debut in May 2022, pitching 2 2/3 innings over three games, he struggled, allowing four runs on three hits and two walks. Despite this, his success in the bullpen seemed to set him up for a promising future heading into the 2023 season. However, his performance that year fell short, with a 5.28 ERA in 30 2/3 innings. His strikeout rate dropped to 23.9%, and his walk rate increased significantly from 11.1% in 2022 to 16.2%.
Due to these struggles, the Cardinals placed Walsh on the injured list and subsequently released him in July, creating a spot on the 40-man roster. Despite not joining another club for the remainder of the 2023 season, Walsh now has the opportunity to compete for a spot on the Braves’ big league staff in the upcoming spring. While the Braves’ bullpen seems mostly established, Walsh could potentially emerge as a top-depth option if he overcomes any lingering injury concerns. He will face competition from other non-roster invitees, including Ken Giles, Ben Bowden, and Grant Holmes, during Spring Training, in addition to relievers Daysbel Hernandez and Ray Kerr on the 40-man roster who provide optionable relief depth.
