The Atlanta Braves picked up left-hander Ken Waldichuk off waivers from the Athletics and, in a corresponding move, designated Vidal Bruján for assignment.
He had signed a one-year split deal with Atlanta on Nov. 20, but fewer than two months later he now finds himself designated for assignment. The Braves have seven days to trade him or place him on outright or unconditional release waivers.
Should Bruján clear waivers, he has the option to decline an outright assignment to the minors and instead elect free agency, as he owns more than three years of major league service time. If another club claims him, he would be added directly to that team’s 40-man roster.
Bruján made his big league debut in 2021 for the Tampa Bay Rays. He is a versatile defender, logging innings in the big leagues at every position except catcher. However, he has just a .543 OPS. He has played in 261 games in the big leagues between the Rays, Miami Marlins, Chicago Cubs, Baltimore Orioles and Braves.
The Braves claimed him off waivers in August. In 23 games, he slashed .268/.362/.317 in that span. He was once the Rays’ No. 4 prospect and is only 27 years old. A team could be willing to give him another shot.
Meanwhile, the Braves will hope Waldichuk can make some improvements to his game and play a role for them. He last appeared in the big leagues in 2023, starting 22 games for the Athletics. Last season, he had an 8.65 ERA in Triple-A.
