The Atlanta Braves have signed right-handed pitcher José Cuas to a minor league contract, per the team’s official transaction page. Cuas has been assigned to Double-A Columbus, as confirmed by the Clingstones’ transaction log. The move comes shortly after his release from the Philadelphia Phillies’ Triple-A affiliate on May 1, 2025.
Cuas, 30, is a three-year MLB veteran who broke into the majors with the Kansas City Royals in 2022. He spent the 2023 season splitting time between the Royals and the Chicago Cubs, appearing in 71 games combined. Most recently, in 2024, he had short stints with both the Cubs and the Toronto Blue Jays.
Known for his unusual delivery — featuring a low arm angle — Cuas gained attention during the COVID-19 pandemic when he worked as a FedEx delivery driver to support his family and stay active while out of affiliated baseball. His perseverance led to his eventual return to professional baseball and a successful run in the majors.
Over his MLB career, Cuas has pitched in 132 games, totaling 119.2 innings. He holds a career ERA of 4.37 and an expected FIP (xFIP) of 4.81, with a strikeout rate of just over 22%. While those numbers aren’t elite, they indicate he can be a reliable bullpen arm when in form.
His recent stint in Triple-A, however, saw a drop in strikeouts and a concerning rise in walks, which likely contributed to his release from the Phillies organization. These struggles have put a pause on his upward trajectory, prompting a reset in the Braves’ system.
The Braves, known for developing pitching depth, will evaluate whether Cuas can regain his command and effectiveness in their organization. If he performs well at Double-A, he could become a bullpen option for Atlanta later in the season, especially given his past success and veteran experience.
