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Tyler Harrison Kinley (born January 31, 1991) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Minnesota Twins, Miami Marlins, and Colorado Rockies. Kinley was selected by the Marlins in the 16th round of the 2013 MLB draft and made his MLB debut in 2018 with the Twins.

Key Information

Career

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Miami Marlins

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Kinley attended Nova High School in Davie, Florida, and Barry University, where he played college baseball for the Barry Buccaneers. The Miami Marlins selected Kinley in the 16th round of the 2013 MLB draft.[1] He was limited by injuries during his time with the Marlins organization.[2] After he signed with the Marlins, he spent the rest of the 2013 season with both the Gulf Coast League Marlins of the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League and the Batavia Muckdogs of the Low-A New York-Penn League, pitching to a combined 0–1 win–loss record and 7.07 earned run average (ERA) in 14 innings pitched. He spent the 2014 season with the Greensboro Grasshoppers of the Single-A South Atlantic League, compiling a 3–1 record and 2.70 ERA in 28 relief appearances. In 2015, Kinley played for the Jupiter Hammerheads of the High-A Florida State League, pitching to a 1–3 record and 3.25 ERA in 44+1⁄3 innings.[3]

In 2016, Kinley began the season with the Jacksonville Suns of the Double-A Southern League, where he pitched to a 3.96 ERA with 51 strikeouts in 50 innings.[3][4] He was then promoted to the New Orleans Zephyrs of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League, but struggled in eight appearances.[3][4] Kinley began the 2017 season Jacksonville, but pitched to a 5.19 ERA with the Jumbo Shrimp in 27 games. He was demoted to the Jupiter, where he had a 1.98 ERA.[3][4][5] Through the end of the 2017 season, Kinley had recorded 212 strikeouts in 204+1⁄3 innings pitched in his minor league career.[4]

Minnesota Twins

[edit]
Kinley with the Minnesota Twins in 2018

After the 2017 season, the Marlins opted not to protect Kinley on their 40-man roster. Kinley then pitched for the Tigres del Licey of the Dominican Winter League, where he had a 0.47 ERA and 32 strikeouts in 19 innings pitched. The Minnesota Twins selected him from the Marlins organization in the 2017 Rule 5 draft.[6][7]

Kinley made the Twins' 2018 Opening Day 25-man roster.[8] He allowed nine earned runs on nine hits, including two home runs with four strikeouts and four walks in 3+1⁄3 innings pitched for a 24.30 ERA before he was designated for assignment on April 26.[9]

Miami Marlins (second stint)

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The Twins returned Kinley to the Miami Marlins on May 1, 2018. He was assigned to New Orleans. The Marlins promoted him to the major leagues on September 4.[10] Kinley pitched to a 3.65 ERA in 49+1⁄3 innings pitched in the 2019 season, while also allowing 36 walks.[11]

Colorado Rockies

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On December 9, 2019, Kinley was claimed off waivers by the Colorado Rockies from Miami.[12] In 2020 with the Rockies, Kinley recorded a 5.32 ERA with a 9.9 K/9 in 23+2⁄3 innings pitched in 24 appearances.[13] In 2021, Kinley pitched in a career-high 70 games for Colorado, posting a 3-2 record and 4.73 ERA with 68 strikeouts across 70+1⁄3 innings of work.

On June 15, 2022, magnetic resonance imaging showed that Kinley had a flexor tear in his right elbow.[14] He underwent season-ending surgery later that month.[15] On the year, Kinley made 25 total appearances for Colorado, recording an excellent 0.75 ERA with 27 strikeouts over 24 innings pitched

On November 18, 2022, Kinley signed a three-year contract extension with a club option for 2026 with the Rockies.[16] On August 1, 2023, Kinley was activated from the injured list to make his return from the previous year's injury.[17] He made 18 appearances for the team during the regular season, struggling to an 0-4 record and 6.06 ERA with 17 strikeouts and five saves across 16+1⁄3 innings pitched.[18]

Kinley made 67 appearances out of the bullpen for the Rockies during the 2024 season, pitching to a 6-1 record and 6.19 ERA with 72 strikeouts and 12 saves over 64 innings of work.[19] In 49 appearances for Colorado in 2025, Kinley compiled a 5.66 ERA with 51 strikeouts across 47+2⁄3 innings pitched.

Atlanta Braves

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On July 30, 2025, the Rockies traded Kinley to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for Austin Smith.[20][21] He made 24 appearances down the stretch for Atlanta, posting a 5-0 record and 0.72 ERA with 22 strikeouts over 25 innings of work.[22] On November 6, the Braves declined their club option on Kinley, making him a free agent.[23]

On January 10, 2026, Kinley re-signed with the Braves on a one-year contract for $3 million, with a club option for 2027.[24][25]

Personal life

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Kinley previously claimed to be related to William McKinley, the former President of the United States.[5] However, a journalist who investigated his family history later reported that they were not related and traced Kinley's lineage back to farmers in North Carolina.[26]

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Tyler Kinley

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from Grokipedia
Tyler Kinley (born January 31, 1991) is an American professional baseball relief pitcher for the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball (MLB).[1][2] Kinley was selected by the Miami Marlins in the 16th round of the 2013 MLB Draft out of Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida.[1][2] He made his MLB debut on April 7, 2018, with the Minnesota Twins, for whom he had previously been claimed off waivers from the Marlins organization in 2017.[1][2] Over the course of his career, Kinley has also pitched for the Marlins and the Colorado Rockies, appearing in over 200 MLB games primarily as a right-handed reliever known for his fastball-slider combination.[2] In the 2025 season, Kinley was traded from the Rockies to the Braves on July 30 in exchange for pitcher Austin Smith.[1] Following the trade, he excelled in Atlanta, posting a 5–0 record with a 0.72 ERA, 22 strikeouts, and no walks over 25 innings in 24 appearances, significantly bolstering the Braves' bullpen down the stretch.[3][4] His strong performance led to a one-year contract extension with the Braves on January 10, 2026, valued at $3 million for the 2026 season with a club option for 2027.[5][6]

Early life and amateur career

Early life

Tyler Kinley was born on January 31, 1991, in Plantation, Florida.[2] He is the son of Becky Kinley and has an older brother, Ryan, and a younger sister, Caroline.[7]

High school career

Kinley attended Nova High School in Davie, Florida, where he was a standout pitcher and hitter during his high school career.[7] As a senior, he posted a 4-0 record with a 1.20 ERA and recorded 29 strikeouts over 35 innings pitched, while also batting .405 with two home runs, 11 doubles, and 31 RBI.[7] Kinley was a four-year letter winner in baseball and participated in Perfect Game showcases, highlighting his potential as a prospect.[8]

College career

Kinley attended Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida, where he played college baseball for the Buccaneers from 2012 to 2013.[7] As a sophomore in 2012, he transitioned into a relief role, appearing in six games out of the bullpen. He recorded a 1-0 record with seven strikeouts over 7.1 innings pitched, while holding opponents to a .200 batting average, though his ERA stood at 8.87 due to control issues with eight walks.[7][9] In his junior year of 2013, Kinley saw expanded usage, appearing in 16 games with seven starts and earning one save. He posted a 4-2 record, a 5.24 ERA, and 34 strikeouts across 46.1 innings, contributing to the team's efforts in the Sunshine State Conference.[7][9] His performance helped solidify his development as a starter and reliever, leading to his selection in the 16th round of the 2013 MLB Draft by the Miami Marlins, making him the 13th player in Barry University history to be drafted.[1] Over his two-year college career, Kinley compiled a 5-2 record with a 5.75 ERA, one save, and 41 strikeouts in 53.2 innings across 22 appearances (seven starts).[9] He was recognized for his leadership, receiving the Oster Senior Leadership Award at Barry University's 29th Athletic Awards Banquet.[10]

Professional career

Draft and minor leagues

Kinley was selected by the Miami Marlins in the 16th round, 472nd overall, of the 2013 Major League Baseball Draft out of Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida.[2] Following the draft, Kinley signed with the Marlins and was assigned to their rookie-level Gulf Coast League affiliate, the GCL Marlins, where he made his professional debut that summer. He later appeared for the short-season Class A Batavia Muckdogs of the New York–Penn League.[11] Over the next few seasons, Kinley progressed steadily through the Marlins' minor league system. In 2014, he pitched for the Single-A Greensboro Grasshoppers. By 2015, he advanced to High-A Jupiter Hammerheads and made appearances at Double-A Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. In 2016 and 2017, he spent time at Double-A Jacksonville and Triple-A New Orleans Baby Cakes, refining his skills and transitioning to a relief role. His minor league career through 2017 included 212 strikeouts in 204 1/3 innings pitched.[12] Prior to the 2018 season, Kinley was selected by the Minnesota Twins from the Marlins in the Rule 5 Draft, paving the way for his major league call-up later that year.[13]

Colorado Rockies debut and tenure

Kinley was acquired by the Colorado Rockies on December 9, 2019, when the team claimed him off waivers from the Miami Marlins.[1] This move came after Kinley had spent time in the minors and made brief MLB appearances with the Minnesota Twins and Marlins, providing a foundation for his transition to a full-time relief role in Colorado. His minor league background, including time in the Marlins' system, prepared him for the challenges of pitching at Coors Field, known for its hitter-friendly conditions.[2] Kinley made his debut with the Rockies during the 2020 season, quickly establishing himself as a key reliever in a shortened campaign affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.[14] In 2021, he had a breakout year, leading the team in appearances with 70 games and innings pitched from the bullpen with 70.1 frames, while recording a career-high 68 strikeouts.[1] Kinley also notched two saves that season, often used in high-leverage situations to hold leads.[15] The 2022 season began promisingly for Kinley, as he posted a 0.75 ERA over his first 25 appearances, striking out 27 batters in 24 innings without allowing a home run.[1] However, his year was cut short on June 12 when he was placed on the injured list with a torn flexor tendon in his right forearm, limiting him to those initial outings.[16] Kinley returned in a limited capacity in 2023, appearing in 18 games and posting a 6.06 ERA in 16.1 innings pitched with 17 strikeouts.[17] In 2024, Kinley rebounded to lead the Rockies bullpen in appearances with 67 games, finishing with a 6-1 record, a 6.19 ERA over 64 innings, 72 strikeouts, and a career-high 12 saves.[1] He frequently pitched multiple innings in save situations at Coors Field, contributing to several close victories. In 2025, prior to his trade, Kinley appeared in 49 games for the Rockies, posting a 0-3 record with a 5.66 ERA over 47.2 innings pitched and 3 saves.[18] These performances demonstrated his value as a versatile reliever during his tenure with the team.[19]

Trade to Atlanta Braves

On July 30, 2025, the Colorado Rockies traded right-handed reliever Tyler Kinley to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for minor league pitcher Austin Smith.[20] The deal was one of the first moves at the 2025 MLB trade deadline, with the Braves seeking to strengthen their bullpen amid a competitive push in the National League East, while the Rockies, mired in a rebuilding phase, continued shedding veterans to acquire prospects.[21] Smith, a 26-year-old right-hander in Atlanta's farm system with a 0-1 record and 5.40 ERA in Double-A that season, represented a low-cost return for the Rockies as they prioritized long-term development over immediate contention.[22] The trade came at a time when Kinley, in the final year of a three-year, $6.25 million contract with Colorado that included a $5 million club option for 2026, had shown flashes of effectiveness despite inconsistencies earlier in the 2025 season with the Rockies.[23] For the Braves, acquiring Kinley addressed key gaps in late-inning relief pitching, particularly with injuries and inconsistencies plaguing their bullpen; the move was viewed as a low-risk addition given his experience and potential for surplus value if his option was exercised.[24] Kinley's familiarity with high-leverage situations from his prior tenure in Colorado made him an appealing target for Atlanta's playoff aspirations.[25] Kinley made his debut with the Braves on August 1, 2025, entering a tied 3-3 game against the Cincinnati Reds in the seventh inning, where he allowed two hits and a walk to load the bases but escaped the jam without allowing a run by inducing a pop out and a strikeout, highlighting early adjustment challenges to his new team and environment.[26] Despite the shaky start, the trade positioned Kinley for a fresh opportunity in a contending clubhouse, setting the stage for his integration into Atlanta's pitching staff.[1]

2025 season performance

In the 2025 season, Tyler Kinley experienced a significant turnaround after being traded from the Colorado Rockies to the Atlanta Braves on July 30. Prior to the trade, he appeared in 49 games for the Rockies, posting a 5.66 ERA over 47 2/3 innings with a 1-3 record, eight holds, and three saves.[27][28] Following the trade, Kinley's performance dramatically improved, as he went 5-0 with a 0.72 ERA in 24 appearances and 25 innings for the Braves, including a 2.74 FIP and a strong 6.4% walk rate alongside a 23.4% strikeout rate.[27][29][30] This post-trade dominance contributed to the Braves' bullpen stability during their late-season efforts. Key moments highlighted Kinley's effectiveness in high-leverage situations, such as pitching two scoreless innings to seal a 5-0 victory over the Washington Nationals on September 16.[31] These outings exemplified his role in closing games and supporting the team's push toward the playoffs. Overall, Kinley appeared in 73 games across both teams, finishing with a 6-3 record, 3.96 ERA, 73 strikeouts in 72 2/3 innings, and three saves, marking a season of contrasts that underscored his value in relief pitching.[1][32]

Playing style

Pitch repertoire

Tyler Kinley's pitch repertoire primarily features a slider as his dominant offering, complemented by a four-seam fastball, curveball, and an occasional changeup. According to Statcast data from the 2025 season, he threw the slider 64.3% of the time at an average velocity of 87 mph, the four-seam fastball 22.9% at 95 mph, the curveball 11.9% at 84 mph, and the changeup just 0.9% at 87 mph.[17][33] He has also incorporated a sinker in his arsenal earlier in his career, though its usage has been minimal in recent seasons, appearing in less than 1% of pitches in 2025.[17] The slider stands out for its effectiveness, generating a 33.3% whiff rate and holding opponents to a .194 batting average with a .297 expected slugging percentage in 2025, contributing to a plus-12 run value.[34] Kinley's four-seam fastball, while thrown less frequently, provides velocity up to 96 mph and serves as a setup pitch, with solid command to elevate it for swings and misses. The curveball adds depth to his breaking pitches, often used to induce ground balls, while the changeup, though rarely deployed, offers deception against left-handed batters with its arm-side run. Overall, his fastball usage hovers around 23-37% depending on the matchup, reflecting a reliance on breaking balls for swing-and-miss potential rather than pure velocity.[17][35] Over his career, Kinley has evolved his pitch mix to emphasize deception and variety, notably adjusting during the 2025 spring training by increasing his four-seam fastball usage to 37.3% and reducing slider frequency to 29.4%. This shift aimed to diversify his approach and keep hitters off-balance, building on his established slider-heavy style from earlier years with the Colorado Rockies.[35][36]

Pitching mechanics

Tyler Kinley delivers pitches as a right-handed thrower utilizing a high arm slot, which contributes to the compact nature of his overall motion. According to scouting observations, this high arm slot allows for efficient energy transfer in his delivery, enabling him to generate velocity from a relatively contained biomechanical path.[37] Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black has noted that Kinley operates from a higher arm angle compared to some teammates, emphasizing the distinctiveness of his throwing mechanics. This higher angle helps maintain deception and consistency in his release.[38] One of Kinley's standout biomechanical traits is his release point consistency, with Statcast data showing very tight clustering across his pitches, which enhances command and predictability in tunneling. His average release point measures approximately 6.5 feet from the ground, aligning with above-average vertical extension for MLB relievers and aiding in perceived velocity.[39] During his time with the Colorado Rockies, Kinley adapted his mechanics to the challenges of high-altitude pitching at Coors Field, learning to throw more deliberately in the altitude. He has credited these changes with improving his effectiveness in that environment. Regarding injury prevention, Kinley has focused on maintaining arm health through consistent mechanics and workload management, though specific techniques are not detailed in public reports.[40] These mechanical elements, particularly the consistent release and high slot, briefly enhance the movement profile of his slider by promoting sharper break.[41]

Contracts and achievements

Contract history

Kinley signed his first professional contract as a minor league player with the Miami Marlins on June 20, 2013, following his selection in the 16th round of the MLB Draft out of Barry University.[42] This standard minor league deal marked the beginning of his professional career, with terms typical for mid-round draftees including performance incentives and no major league guarantee at the time.[12] Kinley was claimed off waivers by the Colorado Rockies organization from the Miami Marlins on December 9, 2019.[1] [42] As Kinley entered arbitration eligibility, his salary progression reflected his growing role in the bullpen. In 2024, he earned $1.3 million through the contract with the Rockies, a figure that accounted for his established performance and service time.[42] The Rockies had previously extended him in November 2022 to a three-year deal worth $6.25 million covering 2023-2025, with a $5 million club option for 2026 that included a $750,000 buyout; however, following his trade to the Atlanta Braves at the 2025 deadline, the Braves declined the $5 million option in November 2025, making Kinley a free agent.[43][44][45] Entering free agency after the 2025 season, where his strong performance post-trade—featuring a 0.72 ERA in 24 appearances—played a key role in boosting his market value, Kinley signed a one-year contract with the Braves on January 10, 2026, worth $4.25 million in guaranteed money.[46] This deal includes a $3 million salary for the 2026 season and a $5.5 million club option for 2027, accompanied by a $1.25 million buyout if the option is declined.[5]

Notable achievements and awards

In Major League Baseball, Kinley recorded his first career save on September 29, 2019, against the Philadelphia Phillies in his final appearance of the season.[1] During the 2021 season with the Colorado Rockies, Kinley led the team's relievers in holds with 15, while also topping the bullpen in appearances (70) and innings pitched (70.1), both career highs for him.[19][1] In 2022, Kinley received media recognition for All-Star level performance with the Rockies' bullpen prior to an injury.[47] Following his trade to the Atlanta Braves at the 2025 deadline, Kinley delivered a dominant stretch with a 0.72 ERA over 25 innings in 24 appearances, going 5-0 and earning widespread media attention for stabilizing the bullpen; this performance contributed to his one-year contract extension for 2026.[27][29]

References

  1. Tyler Kinley Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News
  2. Tyler Kinley Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More
  3. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6959251/2026/01/10/tyler-kinley-contract-atlanta-braves/
  4. Tyler Kinley Stats With The Braves | StatMuse
  5. https://www.tsn.ca/mlb/article/braves-continue-to-bolster-bullpen-sign-rhp-kinley-to-one-year-deal/
  6. https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/braves-continue-bolster-bullpen-signing-213232070.html
  7. Tyler Kinley - Baseball - Barry University Athletics
  8. Tyler Kinley Class of 2009 - Player Profile | Perfect Game USA
  9. Tyler Kinley College Stats - Baseball Almanac
  10. 29th Athletic Awards Banquet - Barry University
  11. 2013 Baseball Draft
  12. Tyler Kinley Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News
  13. Tyler Kinley College, Minor, Fall & Winter Leagues Statistics
  14. Tyler Kinley - Stats - Batting | FanGraphs Baseball
  15. The Rockies signed another pitcher! - Purple Row
  16. Tyler Kinley became the Rockies go-to arm in the bullpen in 2021
  17. The Kinley era came to an end in 2026 - Purple Row
  18. Tyler Kinley Stats: Statcast, Visuals & Advanced Metrics
  19. Tyler Kinley News - RotoWire
  20. Rockies trade Tyler Kinley to Braves for Austin Smith - MLB.com
  21. Braves acquire Tyler Kinley from the Rockies | Battery Power
  22. Braves acquire Tyler Kinley from Rockies for minor leaguer - ESPN
  23. Rockies Trade Tyler Kinley To Braves - MLB Trade Rumors
  24. Braves acquire RP Tyler Kinley - The Athletic - ny times
  25. Braves acquire reliever Tyler Kinley from Rockies for minor league ...
  26. Braves' Tyler Kinley: Bumpy Atlanta debut - CBS Sports
  27. https://www.mlb.com/news/tyler-kinley-signs-one-year-deal-with-braves
  28. Should the Rockies re-sign Tyler Kinley? - Purple Row
  29. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/47573439/braves-sign-reliever-tyler-kinley-1-year-3m-contract
  30. https://www.batterypower.com/atlanta-braves-news/124949/braves-bring-back-reliever-tyler-kinley-to-bolster-bullpen
  31. Tyler Kinley seals the Braves' win | 08/09/2025 - MLB.com
  32. 2025 Atlanta Braves Player Review: Tyler Kinley - Battery Power
  33. Tyler Kinley 2025 pitching Stats Per Game - MLB - ESPN
  34. Player Card: Tyler Kinley - BrooksBaseball.net
  35. https://metsmerizedonline.com/free-agent-profile-tyler-kinley-rp/
  36. Tyler Kinley displays a diverse mix of pitches in Rockies camp
  37. Tyler Kinley - Pitcher List
  38. Behind Tyler Kinley's darting slider, Rockies are digging deep for ...
  39. Colorado Rockies: Are Tyler Kinley and Adam Ottavino ... - Rox Pile
  40. 2025 Pitcher Visualization Report - Baseball Savant - MLB.com
  41. Tyler Kinley set for elevated Rockies relief role - MLB.com
  42. Colorado Rockies news: Looking at pitcher release points
  43. Tyler Kinley | MLB Contracts & Salaries - Spotrac.com
  44. Injured reliever Tyler Kinley gets $6.25M deal from Rockies - ESPN
  45. Braves exercise options on Sale and Albies, turn down Johnson and ...
  46. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/01/braves-re-sign-tyler-kinley.html
  47. Tyler Kinley earned an (honorary) All-Star nod - Purple Row
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