Skip to content

Angels acquire Jim Johnson, international bonus money from Braves

Scott Cunningham / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Los Angeles Angels acquired right-handed reliever Jim Johnson and international bonus money from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for minor-league southpaw Justin Kelly, it was announced on Thursday.

The Angels received the remainder of the Braves' bonus pool funds - $1.21 million - as part of the deal, according to Jonathan Mayo of MLB Pipeline. With those funds, the Angels now have $1.315 million in available international bonus money, which is the eighth-highest total in the majors.

Johnson saved 22 games in 31 opportunities for the Braves last season while posting an inflated 5.56 ERA in 61 appearances. While his strikeout numbers did jump slightly from 2016 (9.69 K/9 up from 9.46 a year ago), he also allowed a career-high eight homers in 2017, averaging 1.27 long balls allowed per nine innings pitched.

The 34-year-old will earn $4.5 million salary in 2018, his 13th major-league season.

Kelly, the Angels' 33rd-round draft pick out of UC Santa Barbara in 2016, compiled a 3.53 ERA, 1.351 WHIP, two saves, and 57 strikeouts in 25 appearances (six starts) across five minor-league levels last season.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox