JUST-IN: Braves Make Bold Move: Sign Struggling Ex-Cubs Reliever José Cuas in Hopes of Bullpen Revival

The Braves have signed right-handed pitcher José Cuas to a minor league contract, according to the MLB.com transactions log. He’s been assigned to Double-A. Cuas, who was recently released by the Phillies after a stint at Triple-A, will now look to rebuild his form with Atlanta.

Set to turn 31 next month, Cuas began his professional career with the Brewers in 2018 but didn’t break into the majors until 2022, when he debuted with the Royals. Before that, he bounced around the minors with Milwaukee and Arizona, while also pitching in independent ball for the Long Island Ducks. It was with the Ducks that he adopted a sidearm delivery, a change that helped him reach the big leagues. He pitched to a 3.58 ERA (115 ERA+) with a 4.39 FIP in 47 appearances during his rookie year with Kansas City.

Cuas continued with the Royals into 2023 before being traded to the Cubs in exchange for outfielder Nelson Velázquez. With Chicago, he logged a 3.04 ERA over 23 2/3 innings, though his underlying numbers—like a 4.90 FIP, 19% strikeout rate, and 14% walk rate—raised concerns about his consistency and control. He remained with the Cubs into early 2024 but struggled badly, posting a 7.43 ERA and 6.02 FIP in nine outings before being designated for assignment. The Blue Jays picked him up, but he gave up three runs in three innings, walking more than he struck out, before being claimed by the Phillies in September.

José Cuas

Cuas didn’t pitch in the majors for Philadelphia and was removed from their 40-man roster in January. He started 2024 in Triple-A Lehigh Valley but was released after seven rough outings in which he recorded a 13.50 ERA and again issued more walks than strikeouts. After a brief stint on the open market, he’s landed with Atlanta and will try to regain his command and effectiveness in Double-A.

The Braves are hoping Cuas can rediscover his form and contribute to a bullpen that has struggled despite strong seasons from some individual relievers. Closer Raisel Iglesias is having a down year, and while pitchers like Daysbel Hernández and Aaron Bummer have been solid, the Braves’ bullpen as a whole owns a 4.01 FIP—ranking near the bottom of the National League. If Cuas can sort out his control and tap into his raw potential, he could be a valuable addition. For now, he joins a group of non-roster bullpen options that includes veterans Craig Kimbrel and Jesse Chavez.