Atlanta Braves strengthened Bullpen with Tyler Kinley trading from Colorado Rockies | Mint

The Atlanta Braves has made a strategic step to strengthen their bullpen by obtaining the right -handed reliever Tyler Kinley of the Colorado Rockies. The trade emphasizes the Braves’ commitment to stay competitive in a challenging 2025 MLB season, despite being 13 games from a National League Wild Card place. Details of the trade that the Atlanta Braves Tyler Kinley, a 34-year-old reliever, purchased from the Colorado Rockies, who sent the 26-year-old right-handed pitching outlook Austin Smith to Colorado. The Kinley contract particularly contains a $ 5 million club option for 2026 with a $ 750,000 buyout, giving the Braves debut to retain him if he performs well or acts at minimal costs. Tyler Kinley’s shape and potential impact Tyler Kinley, a veteran reliever, brings eight years of experience in the big league to the Atlanta Braves, mainly with the Colorado Rockies. Kinley pitched 306 career innings with a 5.08 era and a 4.41 FIP, with an average of one strike per turn. In 2025, he registered a 5.66 era over 48 overs, but showed encouraging underlying statistics with a 4.14 FIP and a strike rate of 23.8%. Since mid -June, Kinley has achieved a 2.37 era and a strike rate of 31.1% over 19 overs. Despite a high step rate of 12.6%, his recent performance indicates that he could play an important role in the bull that can see exits such as Raisel Iglesias or Pierce Johnson. Who is Austin Smith? Austin Smith, a 2021 18th round concept by the Atlanta Braves is currently at Double-A Columbus. Smith showed potential, despite the fact that he was missing most of 2023–24 as a result of Tommy John operation. In 2025, he placed a 4.31 era on High-A and Double-A, with a strike rate of 26.2%, but a 11.5%hiking rate. While he has not yet reached Triple-A, his improved control this season is making him a promising addition to the Colorado Rockies. Atlanta Braves’s strategy This trade is striking in light of the current status of Atlanta Braves, with 13 games in the Wild Card race. Rather than selling assets, add the braves depth to their cattle, which is likely to expect the possible grid changes. To accommodate Kinley on the 40-man robbery, the Atlanta Braves appointed reliever Enyel de Los Santos for command, who struggled with a 4.53 era in 2025. Colorado Rockies’ strategy for the Colorado Rockies, which aligns Tyler Kinley with their long-term-reluctant strategy. The Rockies previously traded Pierce Johnson at the Atlanta Braves for the prospects Victor Vodnik and Tanner Gordon, both of which reached the majors. In addition, Austin Smith represents a different development outlook for the Colorado Rockies, which gives depth to their pipeline.