The Atlanta Braves made a move on Friday.
The Atlanta Braves made a roster move on Friday, claiming right-handed relief pitcher George Soriano off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles. To clear space on the 40-man roster, the club designated infielder Brett Wisely for assignment.
Soriano arrives in Atlanta as a depth option for a bullpen that has been steadily reshaped this winter. The team added two elite closers in Raisel Iglesias and Robert Suarez, so Soriano likely will not be expected to shoulder high-leverage situations.
The 27-year-old spent most of his career with the Miami Marlins, where he showed flashes of promise but also bouts of inconsistency. Over the past three seasons, he logged 118 innings posting a 5.95 ERA, numbers that reflect his need for refinement.
For the Braves, the appeal lies in his potential to provide innings and strikeouts in middle-relief situations while still being under team control for several seasons. The organization has made pitching depth a priority this offseason, adding multiple arms to ensure coverage across the bullpen and rotation.
Injuries and attrition have tested Atlanta’s staff in recent years, particularly in 2025 when the team missed the postseason. President of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos has consistently looked for controllable pitchers who can step in when needed.
Soriano fits that mold, giving the club another option to evaluate during spring training. His minor league track record suggests upside, and Atlanta will hope to unlock more consistency as he competes for a role.
The corresponding move was the designation of Brett Wisely, a versatile infielder who joined Atlanta last season. Wisely has experience across the diamond, including all four infield positions and occasional outfield work.
His versatility has been his calling card, but roster crunches often leave players in his role vulnerable. In 168 games, he has produced a .214/.265/.319 slash line, numbers that have limited his hold on a roster spot despite stronger production in the minors.
By designating him for assignment, the Braves risk losing him to another club, though he could remain in the organization and head to Triple-A if he clears waivers.
For Atlanta, the decision reflects the balance between pitching depth and positional flexibility. Soriano’s addition may not be a headline-grabbing move, but it underscores the Braves’ approach to roster construction. By claiming players with upside and team control, they create options that can pay dividends later in the year. As spring training approaches, Soriano will have the chance to carve out a role and prove he can stick in one of baseball’s most competitive bullpens.