Joel Payamps Elects Free Agency After Braves Outright
The veteran reliever has officially become a free agent after clearing waivers and opting out of his assignment.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Baseball
Live Poll
Is it a good time for teams to sign relief pitchers who have recently struggled?
The Atlanta Braves have parted ways with relief pitcher Joel Payamps, who elected free agency following his outright assignment earlier this month. The 32-year-old right-hander now enters the open market following a brief stint with the organization.
Why it matters
Payamps provides experienced bullpen depth to prospective teams after serving as a setup man for the Milwaukee Brewers during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. His availability gives clubs an opportunity to bolster their relief corps with a proven arm.
Payamps posted a 3.46 ERA over the last three years across 156 innings pitched. Last season, the right-hander earned $3 million before being acquired by the Braves off waivers from the Brewers in September.
The players
Joel Payamps
He is a 32-year-old relief pitcher who has served as a setup man for the Milwaukee Brewers and spent time with the Atlanta Braves organization.
Atlanta Braves
This is a professional Major League Baseball franchise based in Atlanta that competes in the National League East division.
Milwaukee Brewers
This is a professional Major League Baseball franchise based in Milwaukee that competes in the National League Central division.
The details
The Braves acquired Payamps off waivers from the Milwaukee Brewers in late September, but the relationship ended after he was outrighted in October. He maintains a track record that includes nine career saves and a 15.4 percent strikeout-minus-walk rate between 2021 and 2024.
Timeline
From 2021 through 2024, Payamps maintained a 3.01 ERA.
During the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Payamps served as a setup man for the Brewers.
The Braves acquired Payamps off waivers from the Brewers in September 2026.
In October 2026, Payamps was outrighted and elected free agency.
Season Trajectory
This move follows the standard Major League Baseball collective bargaining agreement's outright assignment process, which allows veterans to reject minor league assignments in favor of free agency. Payamps is now positioned to leverage his recent performance to secure a roster spot elsewhere as teams begin their off-season relief pitching acquisitions.
Payamps enters the free-agent market with a 3.46 ERA over his last 156 innings, signaling potential utility as a high-leverage bullpen option. His movement creates an open roster spot for the Braves as they evaluate their pitching needs for the upcoming season.
The takeaway
Players who are outrighted by their clubs often use free agency to seek roles with teams that better align with their career goals. Clubs looking for cost-effective bullpen upgrades will likely monitor his performance metrics from the past three years.
Further reading
For more information on league transactions and movement, visit Baseball.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NBC Sports.
Live Poll
Is it a good time for teams to sign relief pitchers who have recently struggled?
