Sat Dec 21 09:40:00 UTC 2024: ## Braves Acquire Angels Pitcher Davis Daniel in Minor League Swap
**Atlanta, GA (December 20, 2024) –** The Atlanta Braves announced today the acquisition of right-handed pitcher Davis Daniel from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for left-handed pitcher Mitch Farris. Daniel, 28, was designated for assignment by the Angels earlier this week.
Daniel boasts limited major league experience, having pitched 42 2/3 innings across the past two seasons for the Angels, posting a 5.06 ERA. However, the Braves are primarily interested in his Triple-A performance, where he excelled in 118 innings over 21 starts for the Salt Lake Bees, despite a 5.42 ERA. This ERA is inflated by the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League; his FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) was a significantly better 4.41. Daniel’s minor league numbers show a strong 23.3% strikeout rate, suggesting untapped potential.
The Braves see Daniel as adding depth to their rotation, which currently projects to include Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, and Spencer Schwellenbach, with the eventual return of Spencer Strider. Daniel will compete with other pitchers for a spot in the rotation or bullpen. He retains an option year, allowing the Braves roster flexibility.
In return, the Angels receive Farris, a 24-year-old left-hander drafted by Atlanta in the 14th round of the 2023 draft. Farris has compiled a strong 2.96 ERA across 124 2/3 innings in the minors, showcasing a notable 30% strikeout rate. He is not Rule 5 eligible until 2026. The trade allows the Angels to replenish pitching depth following Daniel’s departure.
The move has sparked considerable debate among fans, with some praising the Braves’ shrewd acquisition of a potentially undervalued pitcher, while others express skepticism about Daniel’s major league prospects. The trade highlights the ongoing maneuvering of MLB teams as they fine-tune their rosters for the upcoming season.
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