Atlanta Braves Sign Ian Hamilton To Major League Contract

The Atlanta Braves dipped into the relief market again, signing right-hander Ian Hamilton to a one-year, non-guaranteed major league deal. To make room on the 40-man roster, they waived Anthony Molina.

This move gives Atlanta a high-variance, swing-and-miss arm for a bullpen that’s talented but short on flexibility heading into spring training.

Braves Take a Calculated Gamble on Ian Hamilton

By signing Hamilton, the Braves are betting there’s still upside in a pitcher who, not long ago, looked like a late-inning weapon. The non-guaranteed contract reflects the risk, but it also gives Atlanta a low-cost shot to bolster its middle-relief depth.

Why Hamilton Hit the Market After Yankees Tenure

Hamilton, 30, became a free agent last month when the New York Yankees non-tendered him, even though his projected arbitration salary sat just above the league minimum. That decision wasn’t really about money—it was more about roster math.

New York decided his recent performance didn’t justify a guaranteed spot on their 40-man roster. He opened 2025 in the big leagues but spent the final two months in Triple-A after an up-and-down stint in the Bronx.

The demotion really underscored the volatility that’s defined the second half of his major league career.

Breaking Down Hamilton’s Recent Performance

Hamilton’s 2025 stat line tells a story of both promise and concern. That’s exactly what makes him an intriguing reclamation project for Atlanta.

Strikeouts Up, Walks a Major Concern

For the Yankees in 2025, Hamilton logged 40 innings over 36 appearances and posted a 4.28 ERA. The run prevention was middling, but the underlying numbers were a mixed bag:

That combination—plenty of whiffs, too many free passes—has shaped his recent trajectory. It’s the classic “stuff vs. command” dilemma, and Atlanta’s pitching staff will try to help him find the right balance.

From Breakout in 2023 to Regression Since

Across six major league seasons with the Chicago White Sox, Minnesota Twins, and Yankees, Hamilton’s high-water mark remains 2023. That year, he looked like a breakout bullpen force:

Since that peak, his performance has slid. The last two seasons brought fewer ground balls, more walks, and less consistency.

For a reliever, losing the ground-ball edge is tough; more balls in the air means a smaller margin for error when command isn’t sharp.

Pitch Profile: Why the Braves See Upside

Despite the recent regression, Hamilton’s arsenal still offers reasons for optimism. Atlanta’s had success refining relievers before, so maybe they see something they can unlock.

Slider Still Misses Bats, Sinker Remains the Wild Card

Hamilton’s slider is still his calling card, generating strong swing-and-miss rates. When he’s ahead in the count, that pitch can look nasty against both right- and left-handed hitters.

His 95–96 mph sinker, though, is unpredictable. At its best, it bores in on right-handers and generates weak contact. At its worst, it leaks over the plate or misses the zone, contributing to his high walk rate and fewer grounders than he managed during his best stretch.

Roster Mechanics: Why Spring Training Is Pivotal

The contract structure and Hamilton’s option status make this more than a simple depth signing. It’s a roster puzzle piece that’ll force some decisions by Opening Day.

No Options Left Means Make-or-Break Spring

The 2025 season was Hamilton’s final year with minor league options. Atlanta can’t just send him up and down between the majors and Triple-A anymore.

If he doesn’t make the Opening Day roster, he must go through waivers. Here’s how that could play out:

Where Hamilton Fits in a Crowded Braves Bullpen

Atlanta’s bullpen already has established late-inning arms. Hamilton’s most realistic path is as a middle relief option or a matchup weapon who bridges from the starter to the back end.

Competition and Limited Flexibility

The Braves head into spring training with a packed bullpen and not much wiggle room on the roster. A bunch of relief spots are already locked down by guys who’ve either proven themselves or can’t be sent to the minors anymore.

Hamilton faces a tough road. He’ll need to outpitch not just the fringe guys, but maybe even bump someone with a bigger name if he wants a spot.

For the Braves, signing him feels like one of those smart, low-risk moves contenders should always be making. For Hamilton, this chance might be huge. If he sharpens his command and really gets that slider-sinker combo working, who knows—maybe he turns a non-guaranteed deal into a long-term gig with one of the steadiest teams in baseball.

 
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