Former Angels Reliever Signs With NL Powerhouse

Solid deal for the veteran.

Former Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Reynaldo Lopez has agreed to a contract with the Atlanta Braves for three years. He spent a few weeks with the Halos after being acquired at the trade deadline before he was placed on waivers.

The @Braves have agreed to a 3-year deal with reliever Reynaldo López. pic.twitter.com/WLX8269q01

— MLB (@MLB) November 20, 2023

Lopez was claimed by the Cleveland Guardians for the last part of the regular season and performed very well. In 12 games with Cleveland, he posted an ERA of 0.00 and put up a WHIP of 0.82. With the Angels, he appeared in 13 games, posting an ERA of 2.77 and had a WHIP of 1.54. 

The veteran now heads to Atlanta where he will be a solid piece to their pitching staff. But it seems that the Braves will be using him in a much different way than he has been used to. 

Reynaldo López will prepare as a starter this winter and the Braves will stretch him out in spring training, sources tell @TheAthletic. Team will determine role at end of spring. Lopez averaged 32 GS/186 IP for White Sox in 2018-19. Potential versatility appealed to Braves.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 20, 2023

Lopez will be looked at as a starter for the Braves, and his versatility was a big reason for the interest from Atlanta. But after being on multiple losing teams, Lopez is likely happy to be heading to a contender.

Cleveland did make the postseason last year, but Atlanta is a true World Series contender. This is a big addition for them, and he helps bolster the pitching staff. 

We wish Lopez the best in Atlanta for the next few years, except when he plays the Angels, of course.