Former Star Closer Inks Deal with National League East Champs

The Atlanta Braves made an intriguing move on Friday, officially signing former star closer Ken Giles to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training.

The following comes from MLBTradeRumors:

The Braves announced their slate of non-roster invitees to spring training Friday, and while the majority of names within have already been reported or announced over the course of the offseason, there are a few notable names revealed within today’s release. Former Astros and Blue Jays closer Ken Giles, who recently worked out for teams, will be in camp after inking a minor league pact...

Giles, 33, did not pitch at all in the majors during the 2023 season. He signed a minor league deal with the Dodgers last May and appeared in 21 minor league games, going 1-0 with an 8.55 ERA in those appearances.

Giles has appeared in the majors in eight different seasons with the Phillies (2014-15), Astros (2016-18), Blue Jays (2018-2020) and Mariners (2022). He helped the Astros win the 2017 World Series and has registered 115 career saves. He saved a career-high 34 games in 2017 for Houston.

Unfortunately, Giles has dealt with injury issues over the last few years, which has led to the sputtering of his career. He missed most of 2020 and 2021 with Tommy John Surgery and came back to make five appearances for the Mariners in 2022.

He owns a lifetime 2.71 ERA and a 12.3 K/9 at the Major League level. 

The Braves won the National League East a season ago and figure to be among the best teams in baseball again this year. They figure to battle with the Los Angeles Dodgers for National League supremacy this year.

In addition to Giles, they've added Jarred Kelenic, Aaron Bummer and Chris Sale this offseason.