The Atlanta Braves took another step in enhancing their pitching depth on Friday by claiming right-handed pitcher Amos Willingham off waivers from the Washington Nationals. To make room for Willingham on the 40-man roster, the Braves designated Allan Winans for assignment.
Willingham, 26, was designated for assignment by the Nationals after they signed Jorge Lopez on January 17. While his major league results have been modest, the Braves are hopeful that his strong minor league numbers can help bolster their bullpen depth.
In his 25.1 innings over the past two seasons with Washington, Willingham has posted a 7.11 ERA and a 7.79 FIP, struggling with both home runs and strikeouts. However, his performance in the minors offers more optimism. Over two seasons in Triple-A, Willingham compiled a solid 3.47 ERA, with an impressive 9.0 K/9 and a low 0.6 HR/9 rate across 93.1 innings. His impressive velocity — a 97.7 MPH fastball, a 94.1 MPH cutter, and an 86.3 MPH slider — gives the Braves a potential weapon to add to their bullpen, offering more firepower than Winans, who is set to turn 30 in 2025.
Winans, who joined the Braves through the minor league portion of the Rule 5 draft in the 2021-2022 offseason, has had a solid career in Triple-A, posting a 3.06 ERA over 241 innings. However, his time in the majors has been rocky. His fastball velocity ranks in the 4th percentile, and in his eight starts for Atlanta, he struggled to keep runs off the board, allowing 32 runs in 40 innings, resulting in a 7.20 ERA.
If Winans clears waivers, he could remain with the Braves as another depth option, along with Ian Anderson, AJ Smith-Shawver, Hursten Waldrep, Bryce Elder, and Grant Holmes.
Willingham, who still has one remaining minor league option, is expected to provide more depth at Triple-A, giving the Braves flexibility in their pitching staff while offering a promising alternative for the future.
