Any given MLB season can be an unforgiving experience for veteran and rookie players alike. A week-long slump can see a player go from being a big-league contributor to being designated for assignment in an instant, emphasizing how important it is for everyone to meet expectations or risk suffering the consequences.
Several former Atlanta Braves players have learned the aforementioned lesson the hard way since the 2025 MLB season began. In fact, one ex-Braves draft pick was just DFA'd for the second time in a month on Wednesday.
Former Braves Prospect Joey Wentz DFA'd by Twins on Wednesday
The Minnesota Twins have announced that veteran pitcher Joey Wentz has been designated for assignment. The 27-year-old hurler can elect free agency if he isn't traded or claimed off waivers within a week, leaving time to tell where his career will take him next.
Drafted 40th overall by the franchise in 2016, Wentz spent three years in the Braves' system before being traded to the Detroit Tigers. We went on to pitch to a 5-17 record, 5.81 ERA, and 1.554 WHIP in 70 games (26 starts) in parts of three seasons with the Tigers until he was DFA'd with a month to go in the 2024 season.
Wentz was quickly claimed by the Pittsburgh Pirates and remained in the Steel City to begin the 2025 campaign. Unfortunately, things didn't go well for the forgotten Braves prospect, as Wentz went 2-1 with a 4.15 ERA in 19 relief outings before the Pirates DFA'd him on June 7.
Claimed by the Twins four days later, Wentz hoped a return to the AL Central would help get his career back on track. Instead, the slumping southpaw looked as volatile as ever in his new surroundings, playing to a horrific 15.75 ERA in six outings before Minnesota decided it had seen enough.
Wentz doesn't turn 28 years old until October, meaning there's a chance he could have several MLB contracts ahead of him. With that in mind, the former Braves first-rounder can't afford to keep fumbling his opportunities. Otherwise, he'll be lucky if he sees anything other than minor-league offers.
If he hopes to finally make his MLB playoff debut this fall, Wentz must find a way to quickly prove himself before the Aug. 31 postseason roster deadline goes into effect.