The Atlanta Braves have secured the services of right-handed pitcher Reynaldo López, finalizing a three-year contract worth $26 million. The deal, inked on Monday, encompasses a club option for 2027 valued at $8 million.
In the 2023 season, López demonstrated his prowess with a 3-7 record and an impressive 3.27 ERA while playing for the Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels, and Cleveland Guardians. The financial breakdown of López’s contract includes $4 million in earnings for 2024, followed by $11 million in both 2025 and 2026. The club’s 2027 option carries a $4 million buyout.
This acquisition enhances the Braves’ bullpen depth, complementing their active offseason moves. Notably, the team traded Kyle Wright and Nick Anderson to the Kansas City Royals, receiving right-hander Jackson Kowar in return. Anderson’s trade involved a $100,000 transaction. Another significant trade involved right-hander Mike Soroka, infielder Nicky Lopez, pitchers Jared Shuster and Riley Gowens, and infielder Braden Shewmake heading to the White Sox in exchange for left-handed reliever Aaron Bummer.
Hailing from the Dominican Republic, López exhibited his prowess last season with 88 strikeouts in 66 innings, achieving a career-best 11.3 strikeouts per nine innings. Notably, his fastball averaged an impressive 98.2 mph. Over eight seasons, López has accumulated a 39-49 record and a 4.32 ERA, having made 97 career starts. However, his role has shifted to primarily relief work since 2021, with only one start in that timeframe.
In a commendable gesture, López has pledged to donate 1% of his salary to the Atlanta Braves Foundation, showcasing a commitment to community involvement and philanthropy.
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