Joel

Payamps

The Braves got Payamps off waivers from the Brewers in late September, but he became a free agent after being outrighted earlier this month. Now he’s back at a $750,000 paycut from the $3 million he made last season. An excellent setup man for the Brewers in 2023 and ’24, Payamps got off to a poor start last season and spent much of the year in the minors. Still, his velocity was fine and his stuff-type numbers held steady, making him a decent bet to bounce back. Overall, he has a 3.46 ERA and a 160/44 K/BB in 156 innings over the last three years.

All will likely become free agents. Payamps, an excellent setup man for the Brewers in 2023 and ’24, struggled throughout last season and was designed for assignment by Milwaukee on Sept. 20. The Braves picked him up for the last seven days of the season, and he allowed one run in 2 2/3 innings. They might have some interest in bringing him back at a cut from the $3 million he earned in 2025.

Payamps, a terrific setup man in 2023 and ’24, has a 7.23 ERA in 23 2/3 innings this season, having spent most of the summer in the minors. The Braves presumably will give him a bullpen spot for the final six days of the season. They’ll also have his arbitration rights for 2026, but keeping him would mean paying him at least $2.4 million and probably closer to $3 million unless he’s willing to take the maximum paycut.

Payamps has been a key component of Milwaukee’s relief mix over the last three years, but has struggled mightily this season to an inflated 7.23 ERA across 23 2/3 innings over 28 appearances.

Payamps was list in the majors in May, and he was awful with an 8.35 ERA and 1.69 WHIP over 18 1/3 innings; leading to him being designated for assignment. He replaces Shelby Miller in the bullpen, and while Payamps has had success at the highest level, he’s not likely a high-leverage option for Milwaukee.

Payamps went unclaimed after his abhorrent start to the 2025 season saw the Brewers designate him for assignment. The 31-year-old could elect free agency but also now has the option to report to Triple-A and attempt to rejuvenate his career.

The 31-year-old hurler entered the season as a high-leverage reliever that could challenge for saves at the back end of the Brewers’ bullpen. He then struggled to a horrifying 8.35 ERA, 1.69 WHIP and a 16/6 K/BB ratio over 18 1/3 innings in his 23 appearances. He’s had enough success at the big league level that he should attract interest on waivers.

Trevor Megill and Jared Koenig had both worked each of the previous two days, so Payamps got the call tonight. He delivered too, even though he’d come into this one having given up five runs in two innings this season. Megill should be back in the closer’s role Friday.

“We’d like to give you $3 million, Joel, but we just can’t set precedents.” Or something like that. Payamps’ 2024 didn’t measure up to his stellar 2023, but he was quite effective again in amassing a 3.05 ERA in 59 innings. The setup man will be eligible for arbitration one last time next year.

Payamps probably would have remained in for the eighth today after getting just one out to finish the seventh, but the soreness changed things. It’s unclear whether he’ll miss additional time.