Atlanta Braves Release Pitcher With 2.57 ERA

The Atlanta Braves have released right-hander Jackson Stephens, allowing the veteran to sign with a team in Taiwan’s Chinese Professional Baseball League. 

The 31-year-old had been pitching effectively at Triple-A Gwinnett, posting a 2.57 ERA with 42 strikeouts over 49 innings in a swing role that included both starts and relief appearances.

I've been told that Jackson Stephens is being released to sign a deal to pitch in Taiwan.

What a fun experience for him and the family. Best of luck, Jackson! https://t.co/d5w6NKd4jm

— Lindsay Crosby, big baseball guy (@CrosbyBaseball) August 14, 2025

From MLB Depth Arm to International Opportunity
Stephens, originally an 18th-round pick by the Cincinnati Reds in 2012, has logged 132.1 innings in the majors with a 4.15 ERA across stints with the Reds and Braves. He debuted with Cincinnati in 2017, spent 2018 in their bullpen, and returned to MLB action with Atlanta in 2022, recording a 3.69 ERA over 39 appearances. 

Last season, he allowed just one run in 3.1 innings for the Braves. Despite the team’s pitching injuries this year, Stephens didn’t receive a call-up, opening the door for his overseas move.

The corresponding move here was the release of Jackson Stephens

Started four games for Gwinnett this year, going 0-1 with a 1.92 ERA across 19.2 innings.
As a reliever, 3-0 with a 3.68 ERA in 29.1 innings https://t.co/vetlvgjKHd

— Lindsay Crosby, big baseball guy (@CrosbyBaseball) August 14, 2025

Braves Add Pilar After Release
In a corresponding move, Atlanta signed right-hander Anderson Pilar to a minor league deal and assigned him to Gwinnett. Pilar, recently released by the Miami Marlins, has a 4.26 ERA in Triple-A this year but boasts a stronger 3.11 FIP, suggesting room for improvement.

Photo Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images