The Braves are taking a calculated risk, and it could pay off big time. On Tuesday, the Atlanta Braves announced the signing of left-handed reliever Danny Young to a one-year, split major league contract. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Young, a 31-year-old southpaw represented by Dynamic Sports Group, is returning to Atlanta for his second stint with the team, despite coming off Tommy John surgery just last May. This move raises eyebrows—is it a bold strategy or a risky gamble? Let’s dive in.
Young’s journey with the Braves isn’t new. During the 2023 season, he delivered 8 1/3 impressive innings in the majors, though he struggled in the minors. Injuries have been a recurring theme for him, and 2026 will start no differently, as he’ll open the season on the injured list while finishing his rehab. However, a source reveals he’s already begun throwing and aims to return before the All-Star break. And this is the part most people miss: Young’s advanced metrics suggest he’s been far better than his 4.01 ERA indicates. With a 29% strikeout rate, 9.3% walk rate, and a stellar 53.3% ground-ball rate, metrics like SIERA (3.02) and FIP (3.23) paint a picture of a pitcher who’s been unlucky on balls in play (.344 average). Could he be a hidden gem?
The contract itself is a split deal, paying Young $925K for major league time and a lower rate in the minors. This structure might allow him to slip through waivers if Atlanta needs a roster spot sooner rather than later. However, if he stays on the 40-man roster, he’ll provide another left-handed option in a bullpen already featuring Dylan Lee and Aaron Bummer. Out-of-options lefties Dylan Dodd and Joey Wentz are also in the mix, but Young’s potential long-term value stands out. With just 1.160 years of major league service time, he’s controllable through 2030—a tantalizing prospect if he returns to form.
But here’s the controversial part: Is Atlanta banking too much on a pitcher coming off major surgery? While reuniting with former Mets pitching coach Jeremy Hefner (now with the Braves) could provide familiarity, the road to recovery is never guaranteed. Yet, the Braves’ decision to place him on the 40-man roster suggests they see something special. Could this be a masterstroke, especially with Bummer hitting free agency after 2026?
As spring training approaches, Young will likely move to the 60-day IL to free up roster space. But if he bounces back, he could be more than just a stopgap—he could be a cornerstone of Atlanta’s bullpen for years to come. What do you think? Is this a smart move by the Braves, or are they taking too big a risk? Let us know in the comments below!
