Tyler Kinley Acquired By Atlanta Braves In Shrewd Move

The Atlanta Braves snagged Tyler Kinley from the Rockies in exchange for minor league Pitcher Austin Smith. Not exactly a splashy acquisition, but it is the kind of under-the-radar move that could pay dividends. Or not. Let’s unpack this.

Who Is Tyler Kinley?

If you’re scratching your head at the name Tyler Kinley, you are not alone. Kinley has been quietly toiling away in Colorado for the better part of six seasons. The 34-year-old righty is no stranger to the big leagues. His 2022 season was nothing short of spectacular, where he put up a shiny 0.75 ERA over 25 appearances. But before you start planning his Hall of Fame induction, the last few years haven’t been as kind. A 5.66 ERA? Yikes. Call it a Coors Field tax.

However, here is the twist. Kinley has some intriguing metrics that make you wonder if a change of scenery might revitalize his career. His average exit velocity sits in the 95th percentile, and his barrel rate is in the 82nd percentile. He can make hitters look silly.

The Braves’ Bullpen Needs Band-Aids, Not Surgery

Atlanta’s bullpen situation is complicated. Enyel De Los Santos did not exactly set the world on fire this season with an 8.16 ERA in his last 15 outings. To make room for Kinley, De Los Santos has been DFA’d (Designated For Assignment.

Kinley essentially enters the fold as a low-risk, medium-reward option for the stretch run. At best, he could be a stabilizing force. At worst? Well, it is a modest gamble. The Braves are banking on his splits, which suggest he is more effective away from Coors Field than within it. On the road this season, Kinley’s ERA is 4.28, with a better .608 OPS allowed.

Why This Trade Matters

Before you roll your eyes and dismiss this trade, the Braves are not looking for fireworks here. Their roster is built, their rotation is solid, and their offense is one of the scariest in the league. Kinley isn’t being brought in to headline anything. He is a depth play. There is something very on-brand about Atlanta scooping up a guy like this and hoping to sprinkle whatever bullpen magic they’ve been using for the last decade.

Minor Leaguer Austin Smith

Meanwhile, what do the Rockies snag in return? A 26-year-old minor league pitcher named Austin Smith, who is not setting the prospect world on fire. His 2.38 ERA at Class-A Rome looks nice on paper, but at his age and level, he is not exactly a can’t-miss prospect. Still, it is something, and considering where Kinley’s value likely stands, you cannot fault the Rockies for taking a flyer.

The Big Picture

This trade is not going to dominate the deadline coverage. It is not flashy, it is not wild, and there are no big names or juicy storylines. But if the Braves get even a bit of utility out of Kinley for the rest of 2025, it is a win.  Keep your eye on Kinley. If he turns things around, we might just look back at this as the kind of smart, strategic deal that epitomizes how the Braves stay ahead of the competition without making headlines. If not? Well, it is not like they mortgaged the farm to get him. Either way, it’s a classic “no harm, no foul” move.