It looks like the Atlanta Braves have made yet another move to strengthen their depth with the addition of former A’s pitcher Dany Jimenéz.
According to MLB insider Mike Rodriguez, Jimenéz has agreed to a minor league deal worth $785,000, complete with an invite to Spring Training.
This signing may fly under the radar for Braves fans, but it fits a familiar trend—Atlanta loves dipping into the Oakland Athletics’ talent pool.
Atlanta’s Love for Former A’s Players
The Braves’ 40-man roster is packed with former A’s players if you’re keeping score.
Big names like Matt Olson and Sean Murphy have done well in Atlanta after their time in Oakland. And, recent additions like Nick Allen and Grant Holmes keep the pipeline rolling.
And let’s not forget the other familiar faces who have passed through the Braves’ system recently, including Ramón Laureano, Jesse Chavez, and Parker Dunshee.
Even earlier this offseason, Atlanta picked up Conner Capel and Jordan Weems on minor-league deals. Clearly, the Braves see something special in A’s alums.
Dany Jimenéz’s Long Road to Atlanta
Jimenéz, however, has had quite the journey before landing in Atlanta. Signed as an amateur free agent by the Blue Jays in 2015, his career took a winding path through several organizations.
He was selected by the Giants in the 2019 Rule 5 Draft, only to be returned to Toronto the following year after a brief two-game stint where he struggled.
The A’s eventually took a chance on him in their own Rule 5 pick, and after bouncing back to the Blue Jays, he reached free agency and returned to Oakland.
His time with the A’s showed flashes of brilliance, especially during the 2022 season when he stepped into the closer role, racking up 11 saves and a respectable 3.41 ERA over 34 innings.
Unfortunately, injuries have been a recurring theme for Jimenéz. A right shoulder injury cut his 2023 season short, limiting him to just 23 1/3 innings despite a solid 3.47 ERA.
The 2024 season proved more turbulent, with inconsistent performances and multiple trips between Triple-A and the big leagues. By the end of the season, Jimenéz decided to test free agency.
Why Jimenéz Is a Smart Addition for the Braves
Now, the 29-year-old reliever has a chance to reset with Atlanta. The Braves already boast one of the top bullpens in baseball, finishing 2024 with a stellar 3.32 bullpen ERA, good for third-best in MLB.
However, with injuries plaguing Atlanta’s relief corps last year, bringing in a proven late-game arm like Jimenéz is a smart insurance policy.
While his minor league deal doesn’t guarantee him a spot on the Opening Day roster, his experience in high-leverage situations and prior success with Oakland give him a shot to contribute in 2025.
If Jimenéz can stay healthy and regain his 2022 form, this could turn out to be a savvy, low-cost move for Atlanta—a club that clearly values what former A’s players bring to the table. This spring, keep an eye on him as he competes for a bullpen role.
