Braves Acquire 29-Year-Old Lefty With World Series Experience

The Atlanta Braves sign former Arizona Diamondbacks reliever Kyle Nelson to a minor-league deal.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 4:05pm

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The Atlanta Braves have signed left-handed pitcher Kyle Nelson to a minor-league contract. Nelson, 29, spent the last four seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks and appeared on their 2023 World Series roster. After undergoing thoracic outlet surgery in 2024, Nelson was designated for assignment by the Diamondbacks last year. The Braves are hoping Nelson can re-establish himself as a viable major league option after the injury.

Why it matters

The Braves have had a number of early-season injuries to their pitching staff, so adding an experienced left-handed reliever like Nelson on a minor-league deal gives them additional depth and flexibility in the bullpen as they look to defend their National League East title.

The details

In 136 major league games for the Diamondbacks and Cleveland Indians, Nelson has a career 9-5 record, 4.36 ERA, and 115 strikeouts in 116 innings. He's primarily a two-pitch pitcher who relies heavily on his slider to complement his low-90s fastball. After the 2024 surgery, Nelson appeared in just three games for the Diamondbacks last year.

  • Nelson signed a minor-league deal with the Braves on March 3, 2026.
  • Nelson underwent thoracic outlet surgery on his throwing shoulder in 2024.

The players

Kyle Nelson

A 29-year-old left-handed pitcher who spent the last four seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks, including appearing on their 2023 World Series roster.

Atlanta Braves

The defending National League East champions who have signed Nelson to a minor-league deal to add depth and experience to their pitching staff.

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The takeaway

The Braves are taking a low-risk flier on a left-handed reliever with major league experience and World Series pedigree as they look to bolster their pitching depth and overcome early-season injuries.