The Atlanta Braves made an odd decision on Thursday, placing a waiver claim on Athletics' left-hander Ken Waldichuk and designating infielder Vidal Brujan for assignment. It is a rare misstep from an Atlanta front office that has been on an incredible tear to start the 2025-26 offseason. Not only has the team made splashy additions of Robert Suarez and Mike Yastrzemski, but the franchise has re-signed key players and is actively pursuing rotational upgrades.
Opting to part ways with a valued depth in favor of a pitcher that has no path to make an impact is a head-scratching move for the Atlanta front office. Waldichuk had an 8.65 ERA pitching in the minor leagues last season and is coming off Tommy-John surgery in 2024. The lack of reps clearly changed his ceiling, and it wasn't very high beforehand, with the pitcher struggling to the tune of a 5.28 ERA in Major League action despite playing with a team with low expectations.
If Waldichuk cannot contribute to the Athletics, it is impossible to see where he might fit into a loaded Atlanta rotation or a bullpen that is restocked heading into the 2026 season. Added on top of this is the fact that you parted ways with valued infield depth in Brujan. The infielder offered a .362 OBP and was a pleasant late-season addition for the Braves.
Braves Make First Offseason Misstep Parting Ways with Infield Depth for Struggling Pitcher
While Brujan had an uphill battle to crack Atlanta's roster, there is unquestionably more proven depth in keeping the infielder than adding a pitcher that has never been productive. Perhaps the move was born out of frustration from the 2025 season, when injuries left the Braves incredibly limited in their rotational options and zero depth in the bullpen. Waldichuk is a wildcard addition that you hope can turn back the clock to his once-promising minor league career.
However, it would've been wiser to keep Brujan rostered with the understanding that infield depth has been a past issue as well. Even after re-signing shortstop Ha-Seong Kim, the Braves have questions with Ozzie Albies missing extended time each of the past two seasons with injuries. Mauricio Dubón was brought in as the primary bench option and replacement infielder should injury strike, but there is still more value in having Brujan rostered than Waldichuk.
It should be noted that this mistake is the first of the offseason and not an overwhelmingly meaningful loss, with Brujan easily replaceable should injuries arise. Still, it is an odd miststep for a team that has been primarily focused on making splashy additions and adding proven contributors to the 2026 Atlanta roster.
Bringing in Waldichuk is a rare departure from this trend and a clear mistake for a franchise that doesn't need more unreliable arms. Whether or not there is anything left for the prospect isn't a question the Braves are in a position to answer; this is driven home by the fact that even the rebuilding A's were ready to move on. No question, it is an odd decision and one that could very quickly age poorly in the 2026 season.