The Atlanta Braves have signed right-handed reliever Tyler Kinley to a one-year, $4.25 million contract, reuniting him with the team after declining his previous option. Kinley, who excelled after being acquired from the Colorado Rockies last season, will earn $3 million in 2026 with a club option for 2027. This move bolsters Atlanta's already strong bullpen.
The Atlanta Braves made a strategic financial move in November by declining Tyler Kinley's $5.5 million option, paying him a $750,000 buyout instead. On Saturday, the team announced Kinley's return on a one-year guarantee worth $4.25 million, including a $3 million salary for 2026 and a $5.5 million club option for 2027 with a $1.25 million buyout.
Kinley, who turns 35 later this month, joined the Braves from the Colorado Rockies at the 2025 Trade Deadline. Prior to the trade, he posted a 5.66 ERA in 49 appearances for the Rockies. In contrast, he thrived in Atlanta, recording a 0.72 ERA over 24 appearances (25 innings), allowing just two earned runs. Across both teams in 2025, Kinley appeared in 73 games, compiling a 3.96 ERA and 3.69 FIP in 72 2/3 innings. From August 1 onward, he ranked third among relievers with at least 15 appearances in OPS against at .329.
With the Braves, Kinley increased his use of breaking balls, holding opponents to a .222 batting average against his slider and .000 against his curveball. The Braves' bullpen now features closer Raisel Iglesias, who re-signed for one year and $16 million, and setup man Robert Suarez on a three-year, $45 million deal. Additional additions include left-hander Danny Young, right-hander Ian Hamilton, and setup reliever Dylan Lee. If Kinley sustains his late-2025 form, he could pair with Lee as a top setup option, further strengthening the unit alongside the unpredictable Daysbel Hernández.
This signing validates the Braves' offseason reallocations, including declining Pierce Johnson's $7 million option, to build a deeper bullpen after targeting proven closers.