The Atlanta Braves have claimed outfielder Jake Fraley off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds, who recently designated him for assignment. This acquisition comes amid Atlanta’s multiple open spots on their 40-man roster, though the Braves will need to clear an active roster position once Fraley joins, as he cannot be sent to the minors without his agreement. The move underscores the Braves’ interest in evaluating Fraley’s potential contribution despite this being an injury-marred season for him.
Fraley’s Struggles and Injury Challenges in 2025
Jake Fraley has faced a difficult season, sidelined by injuries including left calf tenderness and a right shoulder sprain, limiting him to just 67 games with Cincinnati. His offensive performance has dipped, recording a .232 batting average with a .332 on-base percentage and a .387 slugging percentage, amounting to a 98 weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+), slightly below the league average. His base-stealing prowess has also declined sharply, tallying only four stolen bases this year after posting at least 20 in each of the last two seasons.
Contrasting Situations: Reds’ Playoff Push vs. Braves’ Rebuilding Year
The Reds, aiming for a playoff berth, have opted to prioritize younger players like Will Benson over Fraley, leading to his removal from their roster. Conversely, the Braves are out of contention this season and view Fraley as a potential asset for 2026. By signing him now, Atlanta can afford to give him playing time throughout the remainder of the year to assess his fit for future contracts and roster spots.
Offensive and Defensive Profile of Jake Fraley
Fraley’s career features notable strengths as a left-handed hitter, particularly when facing right-handed pitchers. He holds a career slash line of .260/.344/.434 against righties, resulting in a strong 112 wRC+. However, his numbers against left-handed pitching are substantially weaker, with a .172/.269/.234 line and a 45 wRC+. Over his career, he has demonstrated speed on the bases, stealing 20 or more bases in the prior two seasons before this year’s decline.
Defensively, Fraley’s performance is mixed. While he has been credited with four Outs Above Average across all three outfield positions, his Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) rating is a concerning minus nine. His defensive value declines significantly in center and right field but is more favorable in left field, indicating he may be better suited for that position if used regularly.
Financial Implications and Roster Flexibility for Atlanta
Fraley is earning a salary of $3.125 million in 2025 and remains under team control for next season via arbitration, though this year’s injuries limit his chances for a significant raise. The Braves’ willingness to claim him suggests they see possible value for the 2026 roster, giving themselves flexibility to evaluate his role during the season’s final months.
Current Outfield Composition and Future Decisions for the Braves
The Braves’ outfield group includes Ronald Acuña Jr., Jurickson Profar, Michael Harris II, Eli White, and Vidal Bruján. Marcell Ozuna regularly serves as the designated hitter but will soon become a free agent. Atlanta may shift their DH strategy next year to provide more opportunities for catchers Drake Baldwin and Sean Murphy or rotate other outfielders into that role. Speculation exists about potential trades involving Murphy or Profar, which would open playing time for others, including possibly Fraley.
Given the health concerns for key players—Acuña is recovering from an ACL injury and recent calf strain—the Braves might find room to rest him while assessing Fraley’s contributions. Whether Fraley is included in long-term plans remains uncertain, as the team could opt to non-tender him after 2024 if he does not meet expectations.
Looking Ahead: Assessing Fraley’s Role in the Braves’ Reconstruction
For now, Jake Fraley will be integrated into Atlanta’s outfield roster in the coming weeks, providing depth during the stretch run of the season. The Braves are entering a rebuilding phase with several questions about roster composition and player roles still unanswered. How Fraley performs will influence whether he becomes a fixture in their outfield or if the team moves on after evaluating their options.