Atlanta Braves claim former Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher off waivers

After being designated for assignment by Milwaukee, Joel Payamps has found a new home.

Payamps had pitched well for Milwaukee during his first two seasons there, going a combined 10-12 with 2.80 ERA and nine saves in 137 games. However, he struggled to a 7.23 ERA in just 28 games in 2025.

Payamps pitched for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2021, and has also suited up for the Diamondbacks, Royals, and Athletics since breaking into the league in 2019.

This was actually the 2nd time Payamps had been DFA'd by the Brewers this season; the first was back at the end of May.

He had a chance to picked up by any other club but ultimately ended passing through waivers unclaimed.

A big factor in that was his nearly $3MM salary, which was still largely to be paid out at that time.

While concerns about his contract prevented him from being claimed earlier in the year, with his salary now mostly paid out, there is more incentive for a team like Atlanta to give him a look.

As he still has less than five years of service time, he can been controlled through 2027, should things go well and the Braves decided to tender him a contract.

In 247 career games, Payamps is 14-22 with a 3.41 ERA and ten saves across 266.1 innings pitched.