2026 Transactions: Angels Sign Sandlin, Braves Bring Back Suarez

Aside from Harrison Bader reportedly signing with the Giants, the focus of offseason moves from January 26 was on relievers. Nick Sandlin reportedly agreed to join the Angels organization, while Jose Suarez is back with the Braves.

Sandlin to sign with Angels

Reliever Nick Sandlin has reportedly agreed to a Minor League deal with the Angels, per the Orange County Register.

Sandlin was acquired by the Blue Jays in the Andres Gimenez trade in December 2024. The 29-year-old was a valuable reliever for the Guardians and pitched well with the Blue Jays when he was healthy. The ex-Jay struck out 16 over 16.1 IP and posted an above-league-average 35.7% Whiff% with Toronto.

However, he wasn’t healthy for most of 2025. A lat strain shut him down in the spring. He was placed on the IL again with elbow inflammation in July, and was never activated off the injured list afterwards.

Toronto outrighted him off the 40-man roster in November. He elected free agency afterwards.

Sandlin is an interesting pitcher. He doesn’t throw hard but can fool hitters. The new Angel is a sidearm right-hander who possesses a low-90s four-seamer and sinker, along with a splitter and cutter.

Suarez claimed by Braves

The Braves re-acquired left-hander Jose Suarez, as Atlanta claimed him off waivers from the Orioles.

Suarez was originally acquired by the Braves in March 2024 in return for Ian Anderson. The Braves DFA’d and outrighted Suarez off the 40-man roster in the spring. However, he did pitch down the stretch for the injury-depleted team in September.

Suarez saw four games of action in the final month, one of which saw him strike out nine over seven innings against the Nationals.

George Soriano was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.

Mets sign Kimbrel

Per the New York Post over the weekend, the Mets signed Craig Kimbrel to a Minor League deal.

Kimbrel spent time in 2025 between the Astros and Braves. The 37-year-old struck out 17 over 12 innings and walked seven.

Should the right-hander make the Mets, it would be the third NL East team he pitched for in his career.