The Atlanta Braves have popped up in the news again across Major League Baseball for making a signing. On the first day of the MLB Winter Meetings, not much has taken place in terms of players signing and trades taking place.
However, the Braves made a semi-meaningful move late Monday night by signing former Cleveland Guardians pitcher James Karinchak to a minor-league contract. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic was first on the news.
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James Karichak Reaches Deal with Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves and James Karinchak agree on a minor-league deal, which gives the former Guardian pitcher a fresh start. It’s unclear if he will be on the big league roster come March, but it’s a cool reclamation project for the Braves to see if he has anything left.
He last appeared in an MLB game back in 2023 and failed to get past the minors in 2025 with the Chicago White Sox. He was cut by Chicago back in June. Karichak will presumably start the 2026 season in AAA-Gwinnett and add some organizational depth to the pitching staff.
GettyCLEVELAND, OH – AUGUST 18: James Karinchak #99 of the Cleveland Guardians pitches against the Detroit Tigers during the eighth inning of game one of a doubleheader at Progressive Field on August 18, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Ron Schwane/Getty Images)
Because of shoulder injuries, which is the reason he missed all of the 2024 season, Karichak has had a hard time making it back, but his career numbers are actually pretty productive. He pitched in parts of five seasons with the Guardians, posting a 3.10 ERA over 165.2 innings and 253 strikeouts.
2022 was Karinchak’s best season as a pro. He posted a 2.08 ERA in 39 innings and 38 appearances. His arsenal features a fastball and a hard 12/6 curveball, which has the ability to really keep hitters off balance.
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Karinchak Was Even Briefly the Guardians’ Closer
James Karinchak has plenty of service time in MLB. The question is whether his shoulder is healthy or not. Back in 2021, he recorded 11 saves for the Guardians and was considered a good backend bullpen piece for Cleveland.
This is yet another small move for the Braves front office this offseason. After re-signing closer Raisel Iglesias to a $16 million deal, Atlanta also signed reliever Joel Payamps to a $2 million deal. The bullpen is considered a position of need for the Braves heading into 2026.
Among other things, Atlanta could also use another infield bat and a depth starter.
It will be interesting to see what kinda buzz starts to pick up at the winter meetings throughout the rest of the week, and if the Braves are a part of the fun.
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