Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves

Braves trade Jim Johnson to Angels for minor league left-hander

The Braves traded veteran reliever Jim Johnson to the Angels for a minor league left-hander on Thursday, dumping the $5 million that Johnson was owed in the final year of a two-year, $10 million contract. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Credit: Michael Cunningham

Credit: Michael Cunningham

The Braves traded veteran reliever Jim Johnson to the Angels for a minor league left-hander on Thursday, dumping the $5 million that Johnson was owed in the final year of a two-year, $10 million contract. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
By David O Brien
Nov 30, 2017

The Braves dumped a burdensome contract Thursday by trading veteran right-handed reliever Jim Johnson to the Angels on Thursday in exchange for minor league lefty Justin Kelly.

Johnson, 34, lost the closer job last summer and was owed $5 million in 2018 in the second year of a two-year, $10 million contract. He blew nine of 31 save opportunities last season and had a 5.56 ERA in 61 appearances.

Kelly, 24, was 6-4 with a 3.543 ERA in 25 games (six starts) at five levels for the Angels last season. He was a 33rd-round draft pick out of the University of Californa-Santa Barbara in 2016.

About the Author

David O Brien
More Stories

Keep Reading

Atlanta Braves shortstop Ha-Seong Kim turns a double play in the third inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)

Credit: AP

Ha-Seong Kim among Braves making lasting impressions, as end of season draws near

Bryce Elder’s revival effort takes hit in Braves’ loss to Astros

Bryce Elder has bounced between the Braves and Triple-A Gwinnett 13 times since 2022 but has finally found consistency. He had a 1.36 ERA in his four starts before Saturday.

Braves crushed by Astros for 82nd loss

Rookie Hurston Waldrep gives up eight runs.

The Latest

Atlanta Braves shortstop Ha-Seong Kim turns a double play in the third inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)

Credit: AP

Ha-Seong Kim among Braves making lasting impressions, as end of season draws near

Bryce Elder’s revival effort takes hit in Braves’ loss to Astros

Braves crushed by Astros for 82nd loss

Featured

Delta employees are under investigation because of content “related to the recent murder of activist Charlie Kirk” that “went well beyond healthy, respectful debate,” CEO Ed Bastian wrote in a companywide memo Friday. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez

Delta suspends employees for social posts related to Charlie Kirk’s killing

Delta joins a list of employers, including an NFL team and news network MSNBC, that have punished employees for posting inflammatory comments about Kirk’s death.

As Tech, UGA celebrate, a historic first for state’s Division I teams

All seven of the state's FBS and FBC teams — Georgia, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Kennesaw State, Mercer and West Georgia — prevailed Saturday.

Suspect arrested after North Georgia officer shot in line of duty

Capt. Brantley Worley remains in critical condition after incident in McCaysville, which is near the Georgia-Tennessee border.