The Atlanta Braves are making another low-risk, high-upside bullpen play, quietly adding Jose Cuas on a minor league deal—and stashing him in Double-A Columbus.
It’s not the kind of move that grabs headlines, but in today’s ever-volatile bullpen environment, a funky arm angle and prior MLB success are worth a second look.
Who Is Jose Cuas?
If the name rings a bell, it might be because of his unconventional path to the majors. A converted infielder turned reliever, Cuas made headlines during the COVID-19 pandemic for working as a FedEx delivery driver. That was before finally cracking the big leagues with the Kansas City Royals in 2022.
Since then, the now-30-year-old right-hander has appeared in 132 major league games, logging 119.2 innings with a career 4.37 ERA. He also has a respectable 22% strikeout rate. His delivery is notable for its lower arm slot, which gives hitters a different look and adds deception, even when the velocity isn’t elite.
What Went Wrong in 2025?
Cuas opened the year with the Phillies’ Triple-A affiliate, but the numbers weren’t kind. His strikeout rate plummeted, his walk rate spiked, and Philly cut ties on May 1. The Braves are now offering him a soft landing—and a chance at redemption—in their system.
This is not just a charity case. Atlanta has a track record of reviving overlooked bullpen arms. If they can get Cuas back to missing bats while ironing out the control issues, there’s a non-zero chance he will end up in a Braves uniform this summer.
Why This Move Matters For the Braves
With injuries to key rotation arms and a bullpen that has been heavily used early in the season, the Braves are actively shuffling depth and preparing for the long haul. Assigning Cuas to Double-A allows them to evaluate him outside the spotlight while also spreading out pitching reps across their system.
Atlanta has shown a clear preference for versatility and quirky, deceptive arms—especially in low-leverage middle relief roles. Cuas fits that mold.
