Braves Bringing Back 31-Year-Old Reliever Despite Struggles

By Shaun McAvoy

Contributing Sports Writer

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The Atlanta Braves have come to terms on a contract for one of their midseason acquisitions.

The Braves have already had a busy offseason. In a flurry of moves the past week, Atlanta has made trades with the Colorado Rockies and Houston Astros, bringing in depth and a Gold Glove infielder in Mauricio Dubón. The Braves have also been active signing back Raisel Iglesias, and have made another move to maintain their bullpen depth.

The Braves announced Sunday that they had come to terms with 31-year-old reliever Joel Payamps on a one-year, $2.25 million contract despite his struggles last season.

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"The Braves today agreed to terms with RHP Joel Payamps on a one-year contract worth $2.25 million for the 2026 season," the team shared in a post to X on Sunday.

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Payamps only made two appearances in Atlanta this season after being claimed off waivers and performed decently, allowing one run in 2 2/3 innings pitched. The 31-year-old hurler began the season with the Milwaukee Brewers, but was designated for assignment in September after posting a dreadful 7.23 ERA across 28 appearances and subsequently picked up by the Braves.

Payamps is a seven-year veteran who has spent time with six different clubs so far. Despite struggling this past season, he has a career ERA of 3.41 and was an integral piece of the Brewers' bullpen in 2023 and 2024. The Braves outrighted Payamps to the minors following the season, but are giving the 31-year-old the opportunity to bounce back next season.

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