The Atlanta Braves and reliever Tyler Kinley agreed to a one-year contract for the 2026 MLB season on Saturday, the team announced. The deal also includes a club option for the 2027 campaign. Kinley will make $3 million in 2026 while the club option is worth $5.5 million and has a $1.25 million buyout. Left-handed reliever Ken Waldichuk was designated for assignment to make room for Kinley on the 40-man roster. 

Kinley began the 2025 season with the Colorado Rockies. After struggling through 49 appearances with Colorado -- Kinley pitched to a lackluster 5.66 ERA during that span -- he was dealt to the Braves before the trade deadline in July. 

The move was seemingly the perfect fresh start for Kinley. He looked like a completely different pitcher with the Braves. 

Kinley turned in a stellar 0.72 ERA in his 24 appearances out of the Braves' bullpen. It is safe to say he caught his team's attention, as the Braves could not have asked for better results after acquiring a reliever who struggled through the first half of the year.

The 34-year-old right-handed hurler is now set to run it back with the Braves. He will look to build upon his impressive second half performance. 

Atlanta may have one of the best bullpens in baseball in 2026.

Raisel Iglesias is set to be the closer. He is one of the better closers in the sport. 

Earlier in the offseason, the Braves signed Robert Suarez -- who also has closing experience. He can shut the door whenever Iglesias needs a night off, but Suarez is expected to primarily handle setup man duties. He will instantly become one of the best 8th inning relievers at the MLB level.

Kinley could get some setup opportunities out of the bullpen, but he will pitch in middle relief for the most part. Dylan Lee, Aaron Bummer and Grant Holmes are other middle relief options for the Braves.

A good offense is crucial and every contending team often has a reliable starting rotation. However, the importance of a strong bullpen cannot be ignored. The Braves clearly wanted to upgrade the relief core for 2026, and they have seemingly accomplished that goal. Bringing Tyler Kinley back will only help the team's bullpen performance throughout the 2026 campaign. 

Atlanta is set to bounce back this year after missing the playoffs in 2025.