Braves Decline Tyler Kinley’s Club Option
The Atlanta Braves have officially declined to exercise their club option on right-handed pitcher Tyler Kinley. According to a report by Jon Heyman from the New York Post, this decision means that Kinley will receive a $750,000 buyout and enter free agency instead of earning a $5.5 million salary for the 2026 season.
Surprising Decision on Kinley
The Braves’ choice to decline Kinley’s option is unexpected. In 2025, he posted an overall earned run average (ERA) of 3.96 and a Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) of 3.69 over 72 and two-thirds innings. However, his performance after being traded from the Colorado Rockies to Atlanta during the trade deadline demonstrated his potential. In Atlanta, Kinley excelled with an impressive ERA of 0.72 across 25 innings.
Performance Highlights
- Overall ERA: 3.96
- FIP: 3.69
- Innings Pitched in 2025: 72 2/3
- ERA after trade to Atlanta: 0.72 (in 25 innings)
- Strikeout rate: 23.4%
- Walk rate: 6.4%
This marked a significant improvement compared to his career walk rate of 11.1%. The Braves opted to trade for Kinley during a non-competitive season, and many expected that retaining him would be a simple choice, especially with an impending free agency for relief pitcher Raisel Iglesias.
Financial Considerations
The decision to part ways with Kinley may hint at financial constraints within the Braves’ front office. Last offseason, the organization made moves to reduce payroll, including trading Jorge Soler and declining catcher Travis d’Arnaud’s option. These strategies allowed the Braves to sign outfielder Jurickson Profar, and it is likely that they are aiming to maintain financial flexibility for future acquisitions.
Offseason Plans
The Braves have indicated they plan to bolster their pitching rotation and express a desire to retain shortstop Ha-Seong Kim after acquiring him off waivers. Addressing these priorities may come with significant expenses. However, Atlanta might seek to replace Kinley with less costly options from free agency or minor league signings.
Shifting Strategies?
Despite the Braves’ historical trend of making substantial investments in their bullpen, the team’s recent performance during the 2025 season raises questions about their approach. A lackluster year under Alex Anthopoulos’s leadership might signal a strategic pivot towards more budget-friendly bullpen solutions, similar to tactics successfully employed by teams like the Dodgers, Cubs, and Rays.
As Tyler Kinley prepares to enter free agency, he will join a crowded market of effective middle relief pitchers, setting the stage for potential new opportunities in the upcoming season.
