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Braves sign James Karinchak

Originally posted on SportsTalkATL | By Chase Irle | Last updated Dec 8, 2025 10:45 PM ET

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Braves have inked a minor-league contract with right-hander James Karinchak.

Free-agent RHP James Karinchak to the Braves on a minor-league deal, source tells @TheAthletic. Karinchak, 30, last pitched in the majors in 2023. He missed most of ‘24 with shoulder issues and was at Triple A with the White Sox in ‘25 before getting released in June.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 9, 2025

As Rosenthal notes, Karinchak has not appeared in the majors since 2023 when he was with the Guardians, but he actually has some really good numbers, recording a 3.10 over 174 major-league appearances.

Shoulder injuries can oftentimes be career damning for pitchers, but Karinchak also had some really good numbers in Triple-A this season, posting a 2.45 ERA and 10.4 K/9 in 24 appearances. He’ll have a good shot to earn a major-league roster spot in Spring Training, and if he does find good form, his fiery personality out of the bullpen will quickly make him a fan favorite in Atlanta.

This article first appeared on SportsTalkATL and was syndicated with permission.

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