Say what you will about Alex Anthopoulos and the Atlanta Braves’ front office, but they are always searching for ways to strengthen the team. While some moves are high-profile, like the recent signings of Craig Kimbrel and Alex Verdugo, many are smaller, under-the-radar acquisitions that add valuable depth, even if they don’t seem significant at first.
Considering the injuries Atlanta dealt with last season, this approach makes a lot of sense. A team doesn’t need an All-Star-caliber bench or Triple-A roster, but having reliable depth options is a hallmark of the best organizations. The Braves excel at preparing for the demands of a long season by ensuring they have reinforcements ready when needed.
On Friday, Atlanta made another such move, acquiring top pitcher from the Rays in exchange for cash considerations.
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Braves strike trade with Rays to acquire Nathan Wiles
If you’re not familiar with Nathan Wiles, that’s understandable. Drafted in the eighth round of the 2019 draft out of Oklahoma, Wiles is known for his ability to throw strikes—a positive trait—though he has consistently posted ERAs in the 4-5 range throughout his career.
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Primarily a starter in the minors, he transitioned to more of a bullpen role in 2024, recording a 5.54 ERA over 35 appearances, including 11 starts at Triple-A.
Is Wiles going to be a surprise breakout star who leads the Braves to a championship in 2025? Unlikely. However, he likely came at a low cost, didn’t require Atlanta to part with any prospects, and isn’t currently taking up a 40-man roster spot. The Braves must have seen something intriguing in his profile, making him a worthwhile low-risk addition who could serve as a spot starter or long reliever if needed.
Given that Alex Anthopoulos has already acknowledged the team’s failure to properly replace Joe Jiménez earlier this offseason, it’s no surprise that Atlanta is still exploring pitching depth. Even after this move, the Braves will likely continue looking for ways to bolster their roster.
