Let’s look at three Atlanta Braves minor league acquisitions from this winter who you should be keeping an eye out for over the next several weeks, along with their reasons, as Spring Training draws nearWe start with Widener, a right-hand pitcher who signed a minor league contract with the Braves on December 11.
The 29-year-old right-hander Widener joins the Atlanta team after competing in the KBO in Korea during the 2023 season, dividing time
between the NC Dinos and Samsung Lions. Widener did, however, have a lengthy history with the Arizona Diamondbacks organization, having played for them for three major league seasons between 2020 and 2022 prior to 2023.
As Spring Training approaches, let’s take a look at three minor league additions for the Atlanta Braves from this winter and why you should watch them over the coming weeks.
With the ability to be a starter or reliever, Widener brings significant MLB experience to the Braves organization. Even though Widener will probably start the season in Triple-A, the Braves might use the right-hander in a few different ways throughout Spring Training, making him an interesting name to keep an eye on.
In an effort to prepare for Spring Training, the Atlanta Braves have been signing left-handed pitcher Brian Moran to a minor league contract in recent days. On February 4, Moran signed a contract with Atlanta and that same day, he was assigned to Triple-A Gwinnett.
The 35-year-old left-hander, who was previously selected in the seventh round of the 2009 MLB Draft, recently played all 2023 season for Triple-A Gwinnett. Moran had a 2-1 record over 47.2 IP, including 38 relief appearances, with a 3.21 ERA, a 58:20 K/BB ratio, and two saves.
Moran has only played in 18 combined relief appearances in the major leagues during his professional career (11.1 IP). The first of those occurred in 2019, the season he made his MLB debut with the Miami Marlins, going 6.1 IP with a 4.26 ERA and a 10:2 K/BB ratio.
In addition, he is the brother of Colin Moran, a former player with the Reds, Pirates, and Astros. It’s quite nice that Brian struck out his brother in his major league debut.
