Braves Secure James Karinchak in Minor League Contract
The Atlanta Braves have secured right-handed pitcher James Karinchak through a minor league contract, as reported by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. If Karinchak is included in the Braves’ roster, he will receive $840,000 in guaranteed compensation, according to 7News Boston’s Ari Alexander.
James Karinchak’s Career Overview
Karinchak gained fame as a notable strikeout pitcher during his time with the Cleveland Guardians. However, he has not appeared in a major league game for over two years. His 2024 season has been limited to just 6 and two-thirds innings due to shoulder issues.
Recent Performance and Team Changes
- After being outrighted by the Guardians, Karinchak entered free agency last winter.
- He subsequently signed a minor league deal with the Chicago White Sox.
- In Triple-A Charlotte, he recorded a 2.45 ERA with a 28.1% strikeout rate over 29 and one-third innings.
- Despite these impressive stats, he was released in June due to a high walk rate of 16.5%.
Strikeout Potential and Challenges
Karinchak boasts a striking 36.3% career strikeout rate in Major League Baseball. He maintained a 3.10 ERA across 165 and two-thirds innings with Cleveland from 2019 to 2023. Nonetheless, a 14.1% walk rate and issues with home runs hindered his overall effectiveness.
Injury Concerns and Development Prospects
Injuries, including shoulder problems and a teres major strain in 2022, have further complicated his career trajectory. The Guardians, known for having an exceptional pitching development team, opted to move on from Karinchak. This decision raises concerns about his ability to overcome control issues.
Future with the Braves
Despite his past challenges, Karinchak’s strikeout potential remains enticing. The Braves, recognizing this potential, may be hopeful of finding a solution for his control difficulties. At just 30 years old, Karinchak still has two years of arbitration eligibility, presenting an opportunity for Atlanta if he can achieve even average control.
