The Braves are no strangers to tough decisions when it comes to managing their talent pipeline, and on Monday, they made another calculated move by releasing 29-year-old left-handed pitcher Jake McSteen after five seasons in their organization.
Dominant Winter League Performance Raised Expectations
For McSteen, the timing of this departure is especially poignant. Just last winter, he was showcasing some of his best stuff in the Puerto Rican Winter League, where he compiled a sterling 1.50 ERA in 24 games for the Indios de Mayagüez. He followed that up with an equally impressive showing in the Caribbean Series, not allowing a single run in five appearances, a promising sign that perhaps a breakout campaign was on the horizon.
Signed by the Braves in 2021 to a minor league deal, McSteen carved out a quiet but solid role in the system. His best ERA came in that first season, a 3.68 split across High-A and Single-A ball. There were flashes of effectiveness, including a 2.95 ERA over 11 games in 2023, but the consistency never materialized. Injuries plagued him last season, forcing a move from the seven-day to the 60-day injured list, and limited his ability to build momentum.
Injuries and Inconsistency Derailed His Progress
Heading into 2025, expectations were tempered but hopeful. After all, his winter league dominance suggested he had more to offer. But things quickly unraveled. His ERA ballooned to 5.89, and any hopes that he had turned a corner began to fade. Though he reached Double-A and had brief periods of success, the toll of injuries and inconsistent results ultimately led the Braves to part ways.
The Braves Face Depth Questions as McSteen Eyes Fresh Start
For the Braves, this is more than a roster trim. It underscores the ongoing need for reliable depth in the pitching ranks, especially in the minors, where the toll of a long season can stretch a team’s resources thin. They’ll now look elsewhere for arms that can eat innings and potentially contribute if called upon.
As for McSteen, the door isn’t closed. A left-hander with swingman potential and flashes of international dominance remains an attractive, low-risk pickup for a team looking to shore up its depth. If he can stay healthy and recapture that winter league form, there could still be innings left in his arm, just not in a Braves uniform.
