Braves Scoop Up Familiar Face in Connor Gillispie
The Atlanta Braves have inked a deal with right-hander Connor Gillispie, securing a promising arm for their bullpen. The team announced the signing on Thursday, indicating a one-year, non-guaranteed contract. The addition comes shortly after the keen observation of Bob Nightengale of USA Today noted the player’s impending free agent status:
"The Braves have signed Connor Gillispie to a one-year, non-guaranteed contract," Nightengale tweeted.
The 27-year-old made his major league debut in 2024 after spending several seasons climbing the minor league ranks with the Orioles. The Cleveland Guardians, recognizing Gillispie’s potential, snagged him in the minor league phase of last year’s Rule 5 draft. He made his mark in Cleveland, tossing eight innings and allowing just two earned runs during a late-season call-up. This impressive showing was enough to earn him a spot on the 40-man roster earlier this year, but a roster crunch ultimately led to his designation for assignment.
The decision came after the Guardians protected four other players from the upcoming Rule 5 draft, leaving Gillispie exposed. He was subsequently non-tendered, becoming a free agent without ever being placed on waivers. The Braves, recognizing an opportunity, were quick to secure Gillispie’s services, offering him a roster spot and a fresh start in Atlanta.
While Gillispie’s brief major league stint provides a glimpse into his potential, Braves scouts likely remember his impressive workhorse mentality from his days looming in the Orioles’ system. From 2021 to 2023, he clocked nearly 300 innings across various levels, showcasing his durability and versatility.
Gillispie’s journey presents an intriguing puzzle for the Braves. He exhibited a marked difference in performance depending on his role: a 4.68 ERA as a starter contrasted with a much more impressive 2.63 ERA in relief appearances during the 2024 season. This disparity might suggest a potential shift for Gillispie, with the Braves exploring a move to a bullpen role where he could truly excel.
Regardless of the specific role, Gillispie’s addition represents a strategic move for the Braves. With several key arms departing in free agency, including Max Fried, Charlie Morton, A.J. Minter, Jesse Chavez, and John Brebbia, the team needs to replenish its pitching depth.
Gillispie’s minimal service time, combined with the Braves’ open roster spot, might make him a valuable asset both now and for the foreseeable future. His flexibility and potential upside make him a low-risk, high-reward addition to the Braves’ pitching staff.
## Braves’ Gamble on Gillispie: A Bullpen Conversion in the Making?
The Atlanta Braves have taken a calculated risk on Connor Gillispie, a promising right-handed pitcher hungry for a new prospect. This move addresses a crucial bullpen need created by several key departures in free agency. To better understand the potential impact of this signing, we sat down with two baseball experts: **Dan Harrison**, a former MLB scout with over 15 years of experience, adn **Sarah Miller**, a leading analyst specializing in minor league talent evaluation.
Together, **Harrison** and **Miller** dissect Gillispie’s recent performance, his potential role with the Braves, and the factors that make this signing a strategic win for the institution.
### Gillispie’s Journey: A Story of Two Roles
**Harrison:** Connor Gillispie’s story is engaging as he’s shown great promise as a reliever but hasn’t found consistency as a starter. in 2024, his ERA was nearly two runs lower in relief compared to his starting performances.
**Miller:** Absolutely. His 2.63 ERA as a reliever whispers of a potential late-inning weapon. It’s likely the Braves saw that and believe a full-time bullpen role could unlock his best potential.
**Harrison:** It’s a smart strategy. Transitioning a starter to the bullpen frequently enough results in improved performance as they can focus on shorter, higher-intensity outings.
### Braves’ Bullpen: A Need Fullfilled?
**Miller:** After losing key bullpen arms like Minter, Chavez, and Brebbia, the Braves needed to bolster their depth. Gillispie’s non-guaranteed contract represents minimal risk for the team.
**Harrison:** Gillispie’s versatility is a valuable asset. Even if he doesn’t excel in a late-inning role, he can be a dependable long reliever, bridging the gap to the closer.
**Miller:** ” He also has the durability from his minor league days, which is crucial for a team aiming for a deep playoff run.
### Could This Be a Long-Term Gem?
**Harrison:** Despite his limited MLB experience, Gillispie has already shown flashes of brilliance.
**Miller:** I would categorize him as a high-upside, low-risk addition. He’s still young and has time to develop into a reliable bullpen piece.
**Harrison:** the Braves have a track record of nurturing young talent. Given the right opportunity and coaching, I wouldn’t be surprised if Gillispie becomes a key part of their bullpen for years to come.
### Looking Ahead: A Bullpen to Watch
**Miller:** The Braves’ bullpen is still a work in progress, but Gillispie’s arrival adds an intriguing element. He’s a player to keep a close eye on during Spring Training.
**Harrison:** Without a doubt.If he can translate his minor league success to the majors, the Braves will have found a valuable asset at a bargain price.
The Atlanta Braves’ signing of Connor gillispie may seem like a minor move, but it has the potential to significantly impact their bullpen. With a proven track record of developing young talent, the Braves might have found a gem in Gillispie.
**What do you think?** Will Connor Gillispie blossom into a reliable bullpen arm for the Braves? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
**related articles: **
* Braves Address Bullpen Void with Veteran Signing
* the Future of the Braves Bullpen: Analyzing Key Departures
* connor Gillispie: Scouting Report and Prospect Profile
