Joel Payamps Released by Braves After Difficult One-Month Stint

Reliever Joel Payamps managed just one month with the Atlanta Braves in 2026 after signing a one-year, $2.25 million contract. The 32-year-old right-hander was designated for assignment on May 1 after posting a 196/138/116 line, -0.1 fWAR, and an 11 percent walk rate across 12 appearances (7 2/3 innings). After going unsigned following his release, Payamps enters the upcoming offseason facing an uncertain future in MLB.