Davis Daniel Signs with Cincinnati Reds After Brief Stint with Braves
Atlanta native Davis Daniel is on the move again, signing a free agent contract with the Cincinnati Reds after spending just one season with his hometown Braves. According to Tread Athletics, the 28-year-old right-handed pitcher will be looking for a fresh start with his third MLB organization. Daniel’s brief tenure with Atlanta in 2025 yielded modest results – an 0-1 record with a 5.40 ERA across just three appearances, including two starts. His overall major league experience spans parts of three seasons divided between the Los Angeles Angels (2023-24) and the Braves, compiling a 2-6 record with a 5.13 ERA in 12 games, eight of which were starts.
Daniel’s 2025 season was primarily spent with the Gwinnett Stripers, Atlanta’s Triple-A affiliate, where his struggles continued. He posted a disappointing 6-12 record with a 5.60 ERA across 25 games, starting in 17 of those appearances. Despite these challenges, there are encouraging signs of development in Daniel’s game. A recent workout video shared by Tread Athletics showed his fastball reaching 94 mph – a significant improvement over the 89.8 mph average he displayed during his limited major league action last year. Beyond his four-seamer, Daniel’s arsenal includes a split-fingered fastball, slider, and sweeper, demonstrating his reliance on a diverse pitch mix rather than overpowering velocity.
The most remarkable moment of Daniel’s young career came during his first major league start with the Angels in 2024. Taking the mound as a 27-year-old rookie, Daniel delivered a masterful performance against the Detroit Tigers, throwing eight shutout innings while allowing just four hits and walking none in a 5-0 victory. This glimpse of excellence showcased his potential but proved difficult to replicate, as he made only two more starts before being demoted to the minor leagues. His journey took another turn in December 2024 when the Angels traded him to his hometown Braves in exchange for minor leaguer Mitch Farris, giving the Atlanta native a chance to pitch for the team he likely grew up watching.
Now with Cincinnati, Daniel faces the challenge of breaking into one of baseball’s most promising young rotations. The Reds’ starting pitchers collectively posted an impressive 3.85 ERA last season, particularly noteworthy considering their home games are played at Great American Ball Park, widely regarded as one of the most hitter-friendly venues in Major League Baseball. The current rotation features a talented core of under-30 starters including Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott, Brady Singer, Nick Lodolo, and Chase Burns – all of whom are expected to return in 2026. This established group creates a formidable barrier for Daniel to overcome in his quest for consistent major league innings.
Despite the competitive rotation, Daniel’s signing may provide valuable depth for Cincinnati. Currently, only three additional starters beyond the main rotation – Rhett Lowder, Jose Franco, and Chase Petty – occupy spots on the Reds’ 40-man roster. This relatively thin depth chart could present opportunities for Daniel should injuries or performance issues arise during the season. His improved fastball velocity could be a key factor in determining whether he can secure a more permanent role in the majors after bouncing between the big leagues and Triple-A over the past three seasons.
Daniel’s story reflects the challenging reality faced by many professional baseball players who exist on the periphery of major league rosters. At 28, he has shown flashes of the potential that earned him opportunities with three different organizations, but consistency has proven elusive. His journey from Angels prospect to hometown Brave and now to Cincinnati Reds hopeful illustrates the perseverance required in professional baseball. With improved velocity and a diverse pitch repertoire, Daniel will aim to capitalize on this latest opportunity and establish himself as a reliable major league contributor after three seasons of brief glimpses at baseball’s highest level.
