Braves sign 16-year veteran starter with World Series experience, 112 career wins

Hunter Cookston

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Braves sign 16-year veteran starter with World Series experience, 112 career wins image

The Atlanta Braves took their time hiring Walt Weiss as their next manager and have now finalized his coaching staff. Typically, the Braves hire coaches with decades of experience and proven success, but this season they’ve taken a different approach: younger coaches will be supporting Weiss.

“The recent additions to Walt Weiss' Braves coaching staff bring a much younger dynamic than any Atlanta coaching staff in recent memory. Jeremy Hefner turns 40 in March, while Antoan Richardson is 42. Tony Mansolino and J.P. Martinez are both 43,” Braves reporter Grant McAuley posted.

On Saturday, the Braves also signed a familiar face from last season. Carlos Carrasco had been called upon to pitch when injuries plagued Atlanta’s pitching staff. Darius Vines and Carrasco were both signed to minor league deals.

“The Atlanta Braves ensure veteran starting pitching depth remains in the system. According to Baseball America's Matt Eddy, they have re-signed Carlos Carrasco and Darius Vines to minor league contracts. Both finished the season with the Braves organization and opted to stick around even after opting for free agency,” SI’s Harrison Smajovitts wrote.

Carrasco and the Braves seem inseparable at this point. At this stage of his career, he knows he is primarily an innings eater. This past season, Carrasco signed with Atlanta multiple times.

“Carrasco soon elected free agency after the move and after briefly testing the market, he ultimately re-signed with the Braves on a minor league deal on Sunday. Carrasco will be pitching for Triple-A Gwinnett and will be a depth option should the Braves need him again,” HTHB’s Steven Teal wrote.

The Braves signed Carrasco to provide reliable depth in the starting rotation should injuries strike again. His World Series experience is an added bonus.

Although he will likely start the season in the minors, it seems probable he will be called up at some point. At this stage of his career, this could be his final stop.

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