(Atlanta) The Atlanta Braves, who continue their quest to expand their rotation, agreed Monday to a three-year, $30 million contract for right-handed reliever Reynaldo Lopez.
This pact will allow López to receive 4 million in 2024 and 11 million in the following two campaigns. The club will also have an option of 8 million for 2027, and a release clause of 4 million.
Lopez, 29, pitched for three teams in 2023. He was 3-7 with a 3.27 ERA and six saves in 68 appearances for the Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels and Cleveland Guardians. He had 83 strikeouts in 66 innings of work — an average of 11.3 strikeouts per nine innings pitched, a career high — and his fastball averaged 98.2 mph.
The Braves, who recorded 104 major league wins last season, were eliminated by the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League Division Series for the second straight year. They are trying to increase their roster, hoping to take another step towards the playoffs.
Braves general manager, Montrealer Alex Anthopoulos, also freed up space on his payroll in hopes of being able to sign a renowned starting pitcher. In particular, he made a series of decisions that allowed him to remove 10 of the 40 players from the Braves’ regular roster in recent weeks.
Aaron Nola appeared to be one of the Braves’ coveted prospects, but instead accepted a seven-year contract to stay with the Phillies. Sonny Gray could be another pitcher Anthopoulos covets.
