Braves trade Wright to Royals for Kowar

The Atlanta Braves traded right-hander Kyle Wright to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for righty Jackson Kowar, both teams announced Friday.

Wright is expected to miss the 2024 season after undergoing shoulder surgery to repair a torn capsule in October. He comes to the Royals with two years of arbitration remaining and is projected to earn $1.4 million in 2024, according to MLB Trade Rumors.

The 28-year-old enjoyed a breakout during his first full big-league campaign in 2022, leading the majors in wins (21) while posting a 3.19 ERA, a 1.16 WHIP, and 174 strikeouts over 30 starts. For his efforts, he finished 10th in NL Cy Young voting.

Wright owns a lifetime 4.45 ERA, 4.50 FIP, and 1.37 WHIP with 267 strikeouts across 60 appearances (51 starts) over six seasons in the majors, all with Atlanta. He also helped the Braves win the 2021 World Series.

Kowar, 27, was the Royals' first-round pick (33rd overall) in 2018. A former top prospect, he's struggled during his brief big-league career, owning a 9.12 ERA and 2.10 WHIP in 74 innings over the last three seasons.

The North Carolina native has one minor-league option remaining and will not enter arbitration until 2026.

This was the second trade made between the teams Friday, as Atlanta also sent right-hander Nick Anderson to Kansas City for cash considerations.