Braves sign relief pitcher Zach Logue to minor league deal

The Atlanta Braves have inked a minor league deal with southpaw Zach Logue, as reported by MLB Insider Jon Heyman.

Logue, aged 28, was selected in the 9th round of the 2017 MLB Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays from the University of Kentucky. In March 2022, he transitioned to the Oakland Athletics as part of the Matt Chapman trade. Following that season, Logue was placed on waivers and subsequently claimed by the Detroit Tigers, where he spent the entirety of 2023.

Over his 68 career MLB innings, with 57 of them occurring in Oakland, Logue holds a record of 3-8 with a 6.88 ERA in 17 games (10 starts). His performance includes 52 strikeouts (6.9 K/9) and 22 walks (2.9).

The Braves’ acquisition of Logue is primarily seen as a move to bolster their high-minors depth. However, success is not guaranteed, considering Logue’s recent struggles. In the 2022 season, he posted a 6.58 ERA in 90.1 innings for AAA Toledo (Detroit), following an 8.12 ERA in 78.2 innings for AAA Las Vegas (Oakland) the previous year.

During his time with Oakland in 2022, Logue employed a four-pitch repertoire as a starter, featuring a four-seam fastball (90mph), a cutter, curve, and changeup. Transitioning to a relief role in the subsequent season, he significantly reduced cutter usage in favor of an increased reliance on the curveball. This adjustment seemed to pay off, as his xERA (expected ERA) dropped to 3.63, compared to his actual 7.36. While Logue didn’t record high strikeout numbers, the adjusted pitch mix contributed to lower hard-hit rates, providing a potential foundation for Atlanta to build upon.