The Atlanta Braves have brought back former reliever Jordan Walden on a minor league incentive laden contract according to a report by SB Nation’s Chris Cotillo. Per the report, Walden’s deal includes an invitation to spring training, a roster bonus and additional incentives.
Braves announced minor-league deal with Jordan Walden. He gets $1M base in majors w/ $2M in available incentives, source tells SBN.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) November 12, 2016
Walden had a 3.15 ERA in 108 games with the Braves over the 2013 and 2014 seasons. He was traded to the Cardinals as part of the Jason Heyward deal. Walden battled injuries throughout his time in St Louis. He appeared in just 12 games in 2015 and missed the entire 2016 season. The Cardinals recently declined his $5.25 million option for the 2017 season.
The Braves made a couple of other minor league moves this week. Cotillo also reports that Atlanta signed catcher/first baseman David Freitas to a minor league deal. Freitas was a 15th round selection by the Nationals in 2010 and spent last season playing in the Cubs’ minor league system.
Atlanta also re-signed minor league catcher Braeden Schlehuber to a new deal.