Braves Sign Former Blue Jays, Mets Pitcher With Unclear Path to MLB

Getty

ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA – MAY 04: Sean Reid-Foley #71 of the New York Mets reacts following the eighth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on May 04, 2024 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

The Atlanta Braves made a somewhat notable move in recent days. According to the team’s transaction log, they signed free agent Sean Reid-Foley to a minor league contract about a week ago. Reports indicate that there’s no invitation to major league camp, and the Braves bullpen is a bit crowded at the moment. It’s likely a league-minimum deal considering Reid-Foley did not pitch any innings in MLB last season.

However, he last pitched with the New York Mets in 2024, and came up with the Toronto Blue Jays in the late 2010s before making his MLB debut in 2018. His issues staying in MLB stem from command issues, as he issues far too many walks, and a poor 2025 campaign in Triple-A led to not many teams being interested in him this offseason, aside from apparently Atlanta.

More MLB on Heavy: Mets Sign Former Dodgers Pitcher, 13-Year MLB Veteran to One-Year Pact

Braves Sign Sean Reid-Foley

Aside from maybe a few small transactions, the Atlanta Braves essentially have their 2026 bullpen figured out. It’s the position group the front office spent the most money on this offseason, and is now considered one of the team’s strengths.

Does Sean Reid-Foley have a clear path to the big leagues this season?

MLBTradeRumors.com was one of the first outlets on the news, and writer Steve Adams weighed in on Reid-Foley’s value:

GettyST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA – MAY 04: Sean Reid-Foley #71 of the New York Mets reacts following the eighth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on May 04, 2024 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

“With Atlanta, Reid-Foley doesn’t have a clear path to the majors — and wouldn’t even if he had a big league invite on his deal — given the Braves’ crowded, very veteran bullpen. He’ll be slated to open the season with Triple-A Gwinnett and could emerge as an option later in the year if the Braves incur injuries in the majors and/or if he can bounce back from last year’s dismal Triple-A results.”

All things considered, Reid-Foley actually had a solid season with the Mets in 2024. He posted a 1.66 ERA over 21.2 innings, but walked 14 batters in that span, and had a WHIP in the 1.300s.

For his career, Sean Reid-Foley has made 71 appearances and holds a 4.10 ERA in 131.2 innings.

More MLB on Heavy: Andruw Jones Elected Into National Baseball Hall of Fame

Will the Braves Make Any Other Offseason Moves?

It remains unclear if the Braves will make any other big offseason moves. As mentioned, Atlanta has signed the likes of Raisel Iglesias, Tyler Kinley, Joel Payamps, and Robert Suarez just for the bullpen alone.

Other signings include Jorge Mateo (after Ha-Seong Kim’s injury), Mike Yastrzemski, and Kim.

The Braves have most of their top producers locked up to long-term deals as well, but there has still been a question mark surrounding Atlanta’s starting rotation.

All 30 MLB teams need starting pitching, but considering the Braves’ injury mishaps over the last two seasons, it might be more of an urgent issue to add than for other organizations.

It’s unclear how much the front office will be willing to spend, but it would be nice to see the Braves add another value arm for the rotation.

More MLB on Heavy: MLB Analyst Suggests Braves Should Trade for Nationals’ CJ Abrams After Ha-Seong Kim Hand Injury