Some might think this is a joke, but I’m 100% serious. The Braves should bring Julio Teheran back home on a minor-league deal. The former ace of the Braves staff fell out of favor with the club following the 2019 season, leading him to sign a one-year, $9 million contract with the Angels,
That’s when things really took a turn for the worst. Over 31.1 innings during the shortened 2020 campaign, Teheran posted a 10.05 ERA, and his 8.62 FIP wasn’t much prettier. After the season, he signed a minor-league deal with the Tigers but ended up making the major-league roster and won his only start before hitting the injured list. Eventually, Teheran was shut down for the season, which brings us to now.
Teheran remains a free agent, and he threw for teams this week. According to Jon Heyman, it looks like his velocity is even better than it was during his later years with the Braves.
Scouts were on hand to see Julio Teheran showcase in Miami. Consistently 91 mph, touched 94
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 17, 2022
When Teheran was at his best, his average fastball sat in the low-90s and could occasionally touch 95. In his last season with the Braves, it was mostly in the high-80s.
I’m not saying Teheran will ever be the pitcher he once was in Atlanta, but by signing him to a minor-league contract, you’re not asking him to be. At 31-years-old, he’s got some left in the tank, and the Braves could use another starting arm. This is a mutually beneficial situation that comes with no risk. The Braves add some competition for their young arms, and Teheran returns to the place where he has had the most success in his career.
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