KANSAS CITY -- As the Braves explore the possibility of moving some relievers before Thursday’s 6 p.m. ET Trade Deadline, they have already taken a chance on one pitcher who might find more success away from Coors Field.
Atlanta acquired right-handed reliever Tyler Kinley from Colorado in exchange for Minor League right-handed pitcher Austin Smith on Wednesday. Right-handed reliever Enyel De Los Santos was designated for assignment to create a 40-man roster spot for Kinley prior to the Braves' 1-0 loss to the Royals in 10 innings at Kauffman Stadium.
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If Kinley is effective over the remainder of the season, the Braves could choose to exercise a $5 million option ($750,000 buyout) for the 2026 season.
TRADE DETAILS
Braves acquire: RHP Tyler Kinley
Rockies acquire: RHP Austin Smith
Kinley immediately fills the void created by De Los Santos, who logged a 8.16 ERA over his past 15 appearances. But Kinley could also help account for the potential departures of Raisel Iglesias and Pierce Johnson, who could both be traded before the Deadline.
The 34-year-old Kinley, a reliever throughout his eight big league seasons, has posted a 5.66 ERA this year, striking out 51 batters in 47 2/3 innings.
Despite his high ERA, Kinley induces weak contact -- his 86.3 mph average exit velocity this year is in the 95th percentile of all big leaguers, and his 6.0% barrel percentage is in the 82nd percentile.
Along with having favorable peripherals, Kinley has home/road splits that indicate he could benefit from a new environment. He produced a 7.52 ERA and surrendered an .812 OPS in 20 1/3 innings (21 appearances) at Coors Field this year. But he has posted a 4.28 ERA and surrendered a .608 OPS in 27 1/3 innings (28 appearances) away from the offensive haven.
Kinley has three saves in six chances this year and 21 saves in his career.
Smith, an 18th-round pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, has a 4.31 ERA in 29 relief appearances at two Minor League levels this year, with a 9.77 K/9.