The Atlanta Braves just made one of those moves that probably slipped under the radar for most fans — but might not stay that way for long. On Thursday, they signed left-handed pitcher Austin Cox to a Major League contract and immediately sent him to Triple-A Gwinnett.
Wait, who? That’s a fair question.
Because Cox — a former fifth-round pick from the Royals’ system — comes with just 35 2/3 innings of MLB experience and a 4.54 ERA to show for it, he’s not exactly a household name.
But the deal? That’s a guaranteed 40-man roster spot, which tells us one thing loud and clear: the Braves see something here.
From Kansas City Castoff to a Georgia Homecoming
Cox was literally released earlier in the day by Triple-A Omaha, the Royals’ top affiliate. He’d been in the Kansas City organization since 2018 but hadn’t made much of a dent until his MLB debut last year — and even that came with a devastating ending.
A torn ACL in September abruptly ended his rookie season, and many expected him to quietly rehab and work his way back.
Instead, by mid-April 2024, he was back on the mound and showing serious signs of life. In 12 2/3 innings this year, Cox posted a 3.55 ERA with a 32.7% strikeout rate. Those stats are way up from his numbers in 2023. Sure, the 10.9% walk rate needs tightening, but there’s definite progress in his underlying metrics — enough for Atlanta to take a chance.
And maybe the Braves had a little edge in this race. Cox is from Macon, Georgia, making this a professional move and a personal homecoming. That’s not nothing.
Why the Braves Made This Move — and Why It Matters
Let’s not get too ahead of ourselves — Cox is headed to Triple-A, not the Braves’ bullpen just yet. But the key here is flexibility. Atlanta’s bullpen has been a revolving door so far this season. Injuries, inconsistency, and a need for fresh arms have turned middle relief into a game of musical chairs.
Adding Cox gives the Braves another left-handed option. If he throws well in Gwinnett, he could be in line for a quick call-up. He’d join a lefty crew that already includes Dylan Lee and Aaron Bummer, but the Braves aren’t exactly overflowing with dominant southpaws.
Moreover, this type of deal — a guaranteed contract for a non-established arm — is becoming a go-to strategy for front offices. If you want to beat out other clubs for a guy you believe in, sometimes you sweeten the pot with a 40-man spot. That’s exactly what this was: a low-risk bet with upside.
Can Cox Stick? Here’s What He’ll Need
If Cox wants to stay in the picture — and maybe even stick around long-term — there are two things he’ll need to show in Gwinnett:
- Command: His walk rate has hovered in double digits for a while, which simply won’t fly at the next level.
- Durability: He’s fresh off a major knee injury, and the Braves will be monitoring how his mechanics and stamina hold up over the next month.
If he checks those boxes, don’t be surprised to see him eating innings in Atlanta by June — especially if the bullpen remains a shuffle.
Smart, Sneaky, and Potentially Savvy Braves Move
No, this isn’t a blockbuster. But it is exactly the kind of move good organizations make. They are grabbing upside before it blooms, adding depth without breaking the bank, and keeping the 40-man roster nimble.
And hey, if Austin Cox turns out to be a reliable lefty option in a tight playoff race, the Atlanta Braves will look pretty smart for handing him this shot.
