Braves Acquire RHP George Soriano from Orioles, DFA Infielder Brett Wisely

The Atlanta Braves bolstered their bullpen Friday by claiming right-handed pitcher George Soriano off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles, according to ClutchPoints’ Joey Mistretta. To accommodate Soriano on the 40-man roster, the Braves designated infielder Brett Wisely for assignment, placing him in waiver limbo.

Soriano, 26, has had a turbulent start to his major league career but offers the Braves a high-upside arm with a power fastball and minor league track record. The move comes as Atlanta looks to deepen its pitching options ahead of the 2026 season while balancing roster flexibility.

The Orioles acquired Soriano less than two months ago after he spent parts of three seasons with the Miami Marlins, who originally signed him as an international free agent in 2015. Baltimore’s recent roster shuffling involving Jhonkensy Noel and Marco Luciano prompted the DFA, providing Atlanta the opportunity to claim him.

Despite inconsistent results at the major league level, Soriano’s raw talent and Triple-A success make him an intriguing bullpen addition. Atlanta envisions him as a potential major league reliever, while retaining the option to assign him to Triple-A Gwinnett if needed.

1. Soriano’s MLB Track Record

In his major league career, Soriano has appeared in 72 games across three seasons, totaling 118 innings pitched. He has posted a 5.95 ERA, paired with a 22% strikeout rate and a 10.3% walk rate. His struggles include a 6.75 ERA in 2024 and an 8.35 ERA in 36⅔ innings during 2025, highlighting the inconsistency that has defined his early MLB tenure. Despite these numbers, Soriano draws interest for his high-velocity fastball, which averages over 95 mph, and his ability to miss bats. Teams have monitored his development closely, noting that his struggles at the big league level have not diminished his underlying tools. His minor league performance has been far more encouraging. In 2025 at Triple-A Jacksonville, Soriano posted a 2.32 ERA across 42⅔ innings, struck out 28.8% of batters, limited walks to 8.8%, and induced ground balls on 55.7% of batted balls. He also participated in a combined no-hitter on June 27 against the Nashville Sounds. Soriano concluded the Triple-A season with a 4-1 record, 49 strikeouts, and two saves over 29 appearances, showing his potential as both a starter and a relief option. These achievements underscore the upside Atlanta hopes to tap into, even as he faces the challenges of adjusting at the major league level.

2. Roster Status and Team Control

Soriano has exhausted his final minor league option, meaning he must occupy a 40-man roster spot or be exposed to waivers. The Braves, however, retain control over him for five more seasons, with more than a year of MLB service time accrued and arbitration eligibility still two years away. This long-term control makes him a low-risk acquisition with potential upside. Atlanta plans to utilize Soriano primarily as bullpen depth, though he could also pitch at Triple-A Gwinnett if circumstances require. The organization views him as a versatile arm who can contribute in multiple roles, from late-inning relief to mop-up innings, while remaining under team control for the foreseeable future. The move aligns with the Braves’ broader strategy of blending cost-controlled, controllable pitching talent with experienced arms in the bullpen. Soriano represents a player who could either stabilize middle relief or emerge as a high-leverage option if his development continues.

3. Brett Wisely Enters Waiver Limbo

To make room for Soriano, Atlanta designated infielder Brett Wisely for assignment. Wisely, who will turn 27 in May, was acquired from the San Francisco Giants in September and appeared in four games for the Braves, going hitless with three walks. Over 466 MLB plate appearances, Wisely has a career .214/.265/.319 slash line. In the minors, however, he has been productive, posting a .276/.375/.436 line with a 113 wRC+ over the past three Triple-A seasons. He also brings versatility, having played all four infield positions and all three outfield spots. Like Soriano, Wisely has exhausted his minor league options, leaving him exposed to waivers. He could be claimed by another team, traded, or remain with Atlanta if he clears waivers. This decision provides flexibility for both the player and the organization while highlighting the competitive nature of roster management. Wisely’s departure underscores the balancing act teams face between nurturing talent and maintaining roster flexibility, especially as they navigate offseason adjustments and prepare for the upcoming season.