Ken Giles, formerly a renowned 100-mph closer for the 2017 World Series champion Houston Astros, has faced a challenging trajectory in recent years. After being traded to Toronto in 2018, injuries, including Tommy John surgery, have significantly impacted his career. In 2023, Giles played 21 minor league games in the Dodgers’ organization, recording a notable 9.50 earned run average.
Despite his recent struggles, there seems to be a glimmer of hope for Giles as he recently signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves, as reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Over the past four seasons, Giles has had limited MLB appearances, making just nine outings and pitching eight innings. His earlier years showcased his talent, with a 2.71 ERA and 115 saves in 362 appearances over eight major-league seasons, particularly standing out for his impressive debut seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2014-2015.
The Braves, making a low-risk move, have included Giles among the 60 players invited to their big league camp. With a well-established bullpen led by closer Raisel Iglesias, the signing provides an opportunity for Giles to potentially rejuvenate his career. The hope is that, with some improvement in his fastball velocity, he could become a valuable addition to the Braves, who are six-time reigning NL East champions.