As Major League Baseball’s spring training camps begin, numerous veteran free agents are still in search of teams. While many are expected to secure minor-league deals as training progresses, two former Philadelphia Phillies relievers have already found a new home—or rather, the same home—for the 2025 season.
On Tuesday, Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that right-handed pitcher Dylan Covey and left-hander Jake Diekman have agreed to minor-league contracts with the Atlanta Braves. The deals include non-roster invitations to spring training, giving them a chance to compete for a roster spot. The two pitchers were spotted at the Braves’ spring training camp, alongside fellow pitcher Chad Kuhl.
Ex-Phillies Relievers Join Braves on Minor-League Deals
Covey, 33, has had an eventful offseason, moving between multiple National League East teams. After becoming a free agent following the 2024 season, he was among the first to sign a new deal, agreeing to a one-year contract with the New York Mets. However, despite initially securing a spot with the Mets, the team designated him for assignment earlier this month, leaving him searching for another opportunity.
Covey’s most recent major league appearance came in 2023, when he pitched 43 innings combined between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Phillies. He recorded a 3.77 ERA and a 1.51 WHIP. While he appeared poised to be a key bullpen asset in 2024, injuries derailed his season. Although he performed well in minor-league outings following his recovery, he was not recalled to the majors last year.
Diekman, 38, was originally drafted by the Phillies in the 30th round of the 2007 MLB Draft. He spent the first three and a half seasons of his major league career with Philadelphia, making his debut in 2012 and remaining with the team until he was traded to the Texas Rangers as part of the Cole Hamels trade during the 2015 season. Over his tenure with the Phillies, Diekman pitched 173 1/3 innings, posting a 3.84 ERA.
Since leaving Philadelphia, Diekman has played for several teams, including the Rangers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Kansas City Royals, Oakland Athletics, Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox, and Tampa Bay Rays. In 2024, he spent time with the Mets but struggled, recording a 5.63 ERA and 1.47 WHIP over 32 innings before being released in early August.
Now, both former Phillies relievers will attempt to earn a spot in the Braves’ bullpen, which was one of the team’s strengths in 2024. Should they succeed, there is a possibility that the Phillies will see them pitching against their former team in National League East matchups during the upcoming season.
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