The Atlanta Braves kept adding depth to their roster as part of their holiday preparations. Just before Christmas, GM Alex Anthopoulos struck another deal with the Angels, trading left-handed pitcher Mitch Farris to Los Angeles for right-handed pitcher.
Daniel, 27, started six games for the Angels last season. This move also brings the Braves’ 40-man roster to full capacity.
Davis Daniel adds more depth for the Braves’ starting rotation
Once Spencer Strider returns from his internal brace surgery, the top half of Atlanta’s rotation should be formidable, even with Max Fried’s departure to the Yankees. However, the fifth spot in the rotation remains uncertain, with Grant Holmes currently leading the competition.
That said, last season proved how injuries can derail even the most well-thought-out plans.
Davis Daniel, despite his underwhelming 6.23 ERA over 30.1 innings, posted a more promising 4.16 FIP. The right-hander isn’t known for overpowering velocity, averaging 91.5 MPH on his fastball, which he throws nearly half the time. The Auburn alum excelled at limiting walks in the majors, issuing free passes to just 4.5% of hitters while striking out 20.9%. His AAA numbers with Salt Lake City were less impressive, with a 5.42 ERA across 118 innings, but it’s worth noting the Pacific Coast League’s hitter-friendly environment.
Meanwhile, Mitch Farris has joined the Angels organization. The lefty, a 14th-round pick in 2023, spent most of last season in High-A Rome, where he posted a 2.95 ERA across 82.1 innings. He also saw time in Low-A Augusta and briefly in AA Mississippi, though his one AA outing was forgettable, allowing three runs in three innings.
FanGraphs previously highlighted Farris’ decent secondary pitches but expressed concern about his fastball velocity potentially being a liability as he climbs the ranks.
While this isn’t the blockbuster move Braves fans have been hoping for, Alex Anthopoulos is ensuring the team isn’t as vulnerable to injuries as they were last season.
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