Luke Williams elects free agency

ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 18: Luke Williams #37 of the Atlanta Braves pitches during the game between the Chicago White Sox and the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on Monday, August 18, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Cole Carter/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

The NL East leading Atlanta Braves sent Luke Williams to Gwinnett today. Luke said no dice.

Luke Williams elected free agency today. He was brought up on April 11th when Michael Harris II welcomed Michael the third into the world. This move exposed Luke’s tenuous grasp on a Atlanta Braves 40-man roster spot. When this was lost, Luke decided to check his options with other teams.

Williams is a handy guy to have around as a last guy on the bench type. Luke has never played catcher but has played every other position on the diamond including pitcher. He’s listed as a shortstop, but has played more games in the outfield (mostly left field) and third base than shortstop. But right now the Braves are using every spot on the roster to make up for the losses of Sean Murphy and Ha-seong Kim. Maybe he can find another organization, or could be reabsorbed onto the Braves’ minor league system. Williams was designated for assignment on September 5, 2025 and did accept the demotion. He rolled off the roster and the end of last season, but found himself back on the Spring Training roster. Stay tuned to see if our favorite utility/relief pitcher finds his way back to Atlanta.