Here’s a head-scratcher for you: the Atlanta Braves have a puzzling habit of picking up relievers with less-than-stellar stats, and today’s waiver claims of Carson Ragsdale and Josh Walker from the Orioles are no exception. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this a strategic move or just a pattern of questionable decisions? Let’s dive in.
Over the past few years, the Braves have consistently scooped up relief pitchers with stats that, frankly, look abysmal. It’s not just about traditional ERA—even advanced metrics like xFIP paint a grim picture. Take Dany Jimenez, for example. After a disastrous 2024 season with Oakland, the Braves brought him in, only to cut ties during Spring Training. It’s a trend that leaves many fans, including me, scratching their heads. Are the Braves seeing something we’re not, or is this just a gamble that rarely pays off?
Carson Ragsdale fits this mold perfectly. Drafted in 2020, he’s already bounced around multiple teams, including a brief stint with the Gwinnett Stripers in 2025. His Triple-A numbers are alarming, with an xFIP nearing 6.00. Last year, he threw five major league innings for the Orioles, posting a 357 ERA-, 114 FIP-, and 125 xFIP-. It’s hard to see the upside here, but the Braves clearly do—or at least, they’re willing to take the risk. And this is the part most people miss: could there be untapped potential in his hard curve, or is this just wishful thinking?
Josh Walker, on the other hand, is a bit easier to understand. A 2017 low-round draft pick, he’s logged a few major league innings over the past three seasons, with a career 160/95/108 line (ERA-/FIP-/xFIP-) across 27 1/3 innings. His Triple-A performance has been solid, making him a more typical ‘26th man’ reliever. What stands out is his unique ‘curveball,’ which is more of a hybrid cutter/slider that’s generated impressive whiff rates at times.
From a pitching perspective, the rationale might make sense. Ragsdale’s sinker seems like a liability, but his hard curve could have potential—though it’s hard to see what else in his profile excites. Walker, however, feels like a safer bet. His ability to command his breaker better than his fastball could make him a valuable asset, especially if he continues to refine that cutter/slider hybrid.
Here’s the bold question: Are the Braves onto something with these under-the-radar picks, or are they simply rolling the dice too often? It’s unlikely either Ragsdale or Walker will crack the big league roster in 2026, but stranger things have happened. What do you think? Is this a smart strategy, or are the Braves wasting their time? Let’s hear your take in the comments!
