Braves Claim Pitchers Williams Seabold and release Right-Hander Victor González
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The Atlanta braves have claimed right-handed pitcher Williams Seabold off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays, while simultaneously releasing right-hander Victor González. These moves address depth needs within the Braves organization, notably at Triple-A Gwinnett, following a season impacted by injuries to their pitching staff.
Williams Seabold: A second Chance in Atlanta
Seabold, 28, has had a winding path to the majors. After a prosperous 2023 season in the korea Baseball Organization (KBO) with the Samsung Lions – posting a 3.43 ERA and 158 strikeouts in 28 starts – he signed a minor league contract with the Tampa Bay rays in February 2024 https://www.mlb.com/news/williams-seabold-signs-with-rays.He briefly appeared in three games for the Rays (6 2/3 innings, 1 earned run, 5 strikeouts) before being designated for assignment.
His struggles at Triple-A Durham were a key factor in the Rays’ decision.In 16 appearances (10 starts), Seabold allowed 44 runs, including 14 home runs, and had a concerning 57:26 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Despite these numbers, the Braves evidently saw enough potential to claim him, hoping he can find success as a depth option in their system. he will initially report to Triple-A Gwinnett.
Victor González: A Waiver Risk
The release of Victor gonzález, 25, is a calculated risk for the Braves. Originally a prospect in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, González came to Atlanta in a minor league deal during the 2022 Rule 5 draft https://www.mlb.com/news/braves-select-victor-gonzalez-in-rule-5-draft.The Braves added him to their 40-man roster in 2024 to protect him from being eligible for minor league free agency, but he hasn’t performed consistently enough at Triple-A to warrant a major league possibility.
By releasing González, the Braves subject him to waivers. If another team claims him, Atlanta loses him without compensation. If he clears waivers, they can outright him back to Gwinnett, but he will again be eligible for minor league free agency at the end of the season. This move allows the Braves to free up a 40-man roster spot.
What is the Rule 5 draft?
The Rule 5 Draft allows teams without full 40-man rosters to select players who have been in their organization for a certain period of time and are not on the 40-man roster. These players must then remain on the selecting team’s 26-man roster for the entire following season, or they must be offered back to their original team. It’s a way for teams to acquire potentially valuable players who might not or else get a chance.
Looking Ahead
These roster moves demonstrate the Braves’ continued focus on building pitching depth, especially given the injuries they’ve faced throughout the 2024 season. Seabold provides a potential arm with major league experience, while the decision regarding González highlights the challenging choices teams face when balancing present needs with future possibilities.The Braves will be closely monitoring Seabold’s performance in Gwinnett, hoping he can contribute to the team down the line.Key Takeaways:
The Braves claimed RHP Williams Seabold off waivers from the Rays.
RHP Victor González was released,risking him being claimed by another team.
These moves address pitching depth within the Braves organization.
Seabold will report to Triple-A Gwinnett.
* González’s release opens up a spot on the 40-man roster.