The Braves have quietly made two moves that might not make headlines, but could matter when the dog days of summer roll around. According to reports, the club has re-signed veterans Carlos Carrasco and Darius Vines to minor league deals—depth moves that reflect a broader strategy as the team tries to avoid the injury-plagued chaos that has tested its rotation in recent years.
Carrasco’s Rollercoaster Ride Ends in a Familiar Spot
Carrasco, the 38-year-old right-hander and former All-Star, is sticking around after a forgettable, but possibly instructive, stint in Atlanta. Acquired from the Yankees at the 2024 trade deadline as a depth piece, he made just three starts and posted a rough 9.88 ERA across 13 2/3 innings. The first outing was passable, just six innings, three earned runs. But the following two were brutal: six earned runs each time, with command and consistency clearly fading.
After being designated for assignment, Carrasco tested free agency before ultimately re-signing with Atlanta. Why? Likely because the opportunity remains—albeit slim—that he could recapture some effectiveness and work his way back to the majors as an emergency option. That’s the kind of bet the Braves are willing to place, particularly at a minimal cost.
Darius Vines Still Has a Chance to Prove Himself
Vines, meanwhile, is a more familiar face. Drafted in the seventh round back in 2019, he’s dealt with injuries but remains an intriguing organizational arm. After missing much of 2024, his last appearance came in August for Double-A Mississippi. His major league body of work is small—nine games, four starts, 34 innings total with a 5.82 ERA—but the Braves still see enough to keep him in the system.
Neither Carrasco nor Vines is expected to break camp with the big-league club, but that’s hardly the point. Atlanta is prioritizing depth, particularly on the mound, as a safeguard against the injury bug that’s hit them hard over the last two seasons. These re-signings may be minor on paper, but they reflect a conscious effort by the front office to build a buffer.
Bigger Moves Could Still Be on the Horizon
And while these are the kind of low-stakes moves that mark the early offseason, the bigger picture is still evolving. With significant salary space cleared recently, the Braves are in position to pursue higher-impact additions. Whether that comes via trade or free agency remains to be seen. For now, the quiet churn continues—veterans sticking around, options exercised or declined, and a roster still very much under construction.
