Braves sign pitcher Taylor Widener to a minor league deal

The ex-New York Yankees 12th-round pick and former Arizona Diamondbacks reliever recently concluded a season in Korea and has signed a minor league deal with the Atlanta Braves. According to sources from Braves Today, the terms of the deal are not immediately available.

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Taylor Widener, a 12th-round selection from the University of South Carolina in 2016, is set to start the season in AAA Gwinnett. At just 29 years old, Widener made his MLB debut in 2020 with the Arizona Diamondbacks, participating in 49 games over three seasons, including 13 starts. During this time, he faced challenges with walks and home runs, posting a 4.5 BB/9 and a 1.8 HR/9 with a 4.26 ERA.

In the previous season, Widener returned to a starting role in Korea, playing for the NC Dinos and the Samsung Lions in the KBO. Across 20 starts (21 total appearances), he recorded a 7-5 record with a 4.54 ERA.

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Within the Atlanta Braves minor league system, Widener is expected to provide starting depth, especially as the first four spots in the rotation appear to be set for now. The 5th spot in the rotation is likely to see multiple options, with top prospects AJ Smith-Shawver and Hurston Waldrep competing for the final spot in spring training. Despite having a set rotation, the Braves used sixteen different pitchers to start games in 2023 and have been focused on building depth.

Looking ahead to 2024, Widener will be in competition with Allan Winans, Dylan Dodd, Darius Vines, and others for starting opportunities as needed by the Braves throughout the season.