Giles posted a 6.28 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, and 58/22 K/BB ratio in 38 2/3 innings for Atlanta’s Triple-A affiliate in 2024, so it’s unlikely anybody will give him an MLB contract. However, the 34-year-old has a career 2.71 ERA and a 33 percent strikeout rate in 355 1/3 MLB innings; however, injuries have limited him to eight total MLB innings since 2019, so he may never get back close to the level we have previously seen from him.

This one is a real surprise. Giles has looked extremely impressive this spring and figured to be in the mix to make Atlanta’s season-opening bullpen. The 33-year-old former closer will presumably open the year back at Triple-A Gwinnett as extra relief depth.

Giles averaged 94.7 mph with his fastball, which is pretty much where he’s typically been when he’s been able to pitch since he first returning from Tommy John in 2022. In his heyday, he averaged 97-98 mph as a closer for the Astros and Blue Jays. That doesn’t seem to be coming back, but he did have the slider working today. A couple of more outings like this will put him squarely into the mix for a spot in Atlanta’s pen.

Giles threw a bullpen session last month for interested teams and will get a look this spring with the Braves in Grapefruit League action. The 33-year-old former closer has been limited to just nine relief appearances in the majors since the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign due to injury. He’s a worthwhile low-risk lottery ticket for a contending team like Atlanta in the event that he’s healthy and his fastball velocity is anywhere close to previous levels.