Atlanta Braves sign pitcher Jackson Stephens

Dec. 27—The Atlanta Braves signed right-handed pitcher Jackson Stephens to a one-year, non-guaranteed split contract for the 2023 season, the team announced Monday night.

Atlanta's 40-man roster is now full.

Stephens, 28, spent last season with Atlanta, going 3-3 with a 3.69 ERA (22 ER/53.2 IP) in 39 games, one start. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound native of Oxford, AL, fanned 47, walked 23, and earned his first two major league saves.

Stephens got more than three outs in 13 different relief appearances last season and went a season-high 3.1 innings on July 24 vs. Los Angeles (AL). His 13 relief outings of more than 1.0 inning tied for the third most on the Braves with Dylan Lee and behind Collin McHugh and Jesse Chavez. His 7.1 innings in extra innings led baseball, and he did not allow an earned run in any of those frames.

Originally drafted by Cincinnati in the 18th round of the 2012 First-Year Player Draft out of Oxford High School, Stephens made his major league debut with the Reds in 2017. He is 7-7 with a 4.31 ERA (56 ER/117.0 IP) in 75 career games, five starts.