Reynaldo López

Reynaldo Starling López Kely Bio

Reynaldo Starling López Kely (born January 4, 1994) is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball (MLB). The native of the Dominican Republic made his MLB debut with the Washington Nationals in 2016. Throughout his career, López has established himself as a power pitcher known for his exceptional fastball velocity, reaching triple digits on the radar gun. In 2024, he earned his first All-Star Game selection while anchoring the Braves starting rotation. His career has spanned five MLB organizations, including stops with the Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels, and Cleveland Guardians before finding stability with Atlanta on a three-year contract.

Early Life and Background

Born on January 4, 1994, in the Dominican Republic, Reynaldo López grew up immersed in baseball, a sport that dominates the sporting landscape of his Caribbean nation. The Dominican Republic has produced countless MLB stars, and López’s journey began like many from the island nation—with dreams of reaching the professional ranks in America. He took several years off from baseball to complete his high school education before pursuing his professional aspirations.

At age 18, López signed with the Washington Nationals as an international free agent in June 2012. His signing bonus of just $17,000 reflected the risks teams sometimes take with prospects who arrive at the professional level later than their peers. Despite the modest financial investment, the Nationals saw potential in the young pitcher’s raw stuff and athletic ability.

Path to Major League Baseball

Upon signing, López reported to the Dominican Summer League Nationals where he made his professional debut in 2012. He pitched to a 1–1 win–loss record with a 3.38 earned run average in just over ten innings of work. The following years saw him climbing methodically through the Nationals’ minor league system, showcasing the electric stuff that would eventually define his big league career.

In 2014, López emerged as a legitimate prospect, going 7–3 with a remarkable 1.08 ERA while making 16 starts for Auburn and Hagerstown. That dominant performance earned him a promotion to High-A Potomac in 2015, where he posted a 6–7 record with a 4.09 ERA in 19 starts. By mid-2016, López had reached Double-A Harrisburg, where his 3.18 ERA through 14 starts convinced the Nationals organization he was ready for the ultimate challenge.

Reynaldo Starling López Kely Career

Washington Nationals (2016)

On June 27, 2016, López was promoted to Triple-A Syracuse, and just weeks later, he received the call to the majors. Nationals manager Dusty Baker announced on July 17 that López would be summoned to make his major league debut on July 19 against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Nationals Park. The debut did not go as planned—López gave up a leadoff home run to Chase Utley and allowed three runs in the first inning. However, he settled in remarkably, retiring eight consecutive batters at one point while striking out six of them.

Despite taking the loss after allowing six runs on ten hits over 4+2/3 innings, López impressed with nine strikeouts—the second-highest total for a Nationals pitcher in a debut, trailing only Stephen Strasburg’s 14 in 2010. More significantly, he became the first player from the Dominican Republic signed and developed by the Nationals to start a game for the franchise. He was optioned back to Syracuse the following day to make room on the roster, but his brief glimpse of MLB action had announced his arrival.

Chicago White Sox Era (2017–2023)

On December 7, 2016, López’s career took a significant turn when he was traded to the Chicago White Sox as part of a three-player package that included Lucas Giolito and Dane Dunning, in exchange for outfielder Adam Eaton. The trade positioned López as a central piece of Chicago’s rebuilding effort.

After beginning 2017 with Triple-A Charlotte, López made his White Sox debut in August and finished the season with an 8-start sample showing a 3–3 record. The 2018 season brought his first full year in a major league rotation, as he went 7–10 with 32 starts. His 2019 campaign saw regression with a 10–15 record and 5.38 ERA, though he did surrender the longest home run of that MLB season—a 505-foot shot.

The 2020 season was abbreviated by the pandemic, yielding limited action with a 1–3 record and 6.49 ERA. López began 2021 at Triple-A Charlotte after failing to make the Opening Day roster. When recalled in July, he transitioned between relief and starting roles, including a memorable August 28 performance against the Chicago Cubs where he entered after a six-run first inning and threw five perfect innings in relief. His 2022 season marked a breakthrough in the bullpen—averaging 97 mph on his fastball and touching 100 mph in several appearances—while posting a 2.76 ERA with 63 strikeouts across 61 games.

Los Angeles Angels and Cleveland Guardians (2023)

On July 26, 2023, López was traded to the Los Angeles Angels alongside Lucas Giolito. In 13 relief appearances with the Angels, he posted a 2.77 ERA before being placed on waivers in late August. The Cleveland Guardians claimed him off waivers on August 31, 2023. With the Guardians, López delivered 12 consecutive scoreless appearances, striking out 12 batters over 11 innings—providing a glimpse of the impact he would soon have in Atlanta.

Atlanta Braves Era (2024–Present)

On November 20, 2023, López signed a three-year, $26 million contract with the Atlanta Braves. He earned the fifth rotation spot during spring training in 2024. The season became a career-defining year for López. He was selected to his first All-Star Game roster as a reserve, joining teammates Marcell Ozuna, Chris Sale, and Max Fried. In 26 appearances (25 starts) for Atlanta, he compiled an 8–5 record with a 1.99 ERA and 148 strikeouts across 135+2/3 innings pitched—establishing himself as one of the most effective starters in the National League.

Following his breakout 2024 campaign, López and the Braves agreed to a restructured contract in November 2024, paying him $8 million in 2025 and $14 million in 2026, with a team option for 2028. The 2025 season began with adversity when López was placed on the 15-day injured list on April 1 with a shoulder injury. Two days later, he was transferred to the 60-day injured list, and on April 8, the team announced he would miss at least 12 weeks after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder. The injury marked a significant setback for both pitcher and team.

Driving Style and Strengths

At 6 feet tall, López is not among the tallest pitchers in professional baseball, yet he compensates with exceptional arm speed and mechanics that generate remarkable velocity. His four-seam fastball regularly sits above 95 mph and flashes in the triple digits, making it a weapon against both left-handed and right-handed hitters. He complements his heat with a biting curveball and a changeup that keeps hitters off balance. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated the versatility to contribute effectively as both a starter and reliever, with Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo noting in 2016 that López represented “a guy that can help in a starting role and in a bullpen role.”

Notable Events and Milestones

On April 7, 2026, López was involved in a dramatic incident during a game against the Los Angeles Angels. Former teammate Jorge Soler hit a home run off López in his first at-bat and was hit by pitch in his second. After Soler took exception to the inside pitch, the two exchanged words and Soler charged the mound. The confrontation escalated into a fight, with López notably still holding the baseball as he threw a punch. Both players were ejected, and MLB handed down seven-game suspensions to each the following day.

Reynaldo Starling López Kely Career Wins

Throughout his MLB career spanning from 2016 through the 2026 season, López has accumulated 50 wins against 55 losses across his time with five franchises. His career earned run average stands at 3.91 with 806 strikeouts, demonstrating his ability to miss bats at an elite level throughout his career.

Atlanta Braves Highlights

The 2024 season with Atlanta represents the pinnacle of López’s career thus far. His 8–5 record and 1.99 ERA in his first season with the Braves not only earned him his first All-Star selection but also established him as a reliable mid-rotation starter for a championship-contending team. His 148 strikeouts in just 135+2/3 innings showed the dominance of his stuff, and his ability to pitch deep into games provided immense value to the Braves’ staff.

Other Career Highlights

Throughout his career, López has demonstrated the ability to be a versatile asset for any organization. His 2022 season with the White Sox, where he posted a 2.76 ERA out of the bullpen while averaging 97 mph on his fastball, showcased his adaptability. His brief stint with the Guardians in 2023, with 12 consecutive scoreless appearances, further demonstrated his ability to contribute in high-leverage situations.

Reynaldo Starling López Kely Family

Family Background

While López has not publicly discussed extensive details about his family background or racing lineage, his journey from the Dominican Republic to MLB exemplifies the determination and sacrifice common among players from baseball-rich nations. His career path reflects the challenges many international prospects face, including the decision to delay signing to complete education and the perseverance required to climb through minor league systems.

Personal Life

Outside the diamond, López is married to Jhilaris Bautista. The couple welcomed their daughter in 2018. A visible expression of his Christian faith occurs after each inning he pitches—López points toward the sky, a gesture that has become a signature moment during his appearances. The ritual serves as a personal reminder of his beliefs and a moment of reflection between innings.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season began with significant challenges for López and the Braves organization. After signing a lucrative restructured contract in November 2024 that guaranteed him substantial earnings through 2026, López’s campaign was derailed almost immediately. He was placed on the 15-day injured list on April 1, 2025, with a shoulder injury that would prove far more serious than initially anticipated. Two days later, the team transferred him to the 60-day injured list, and on April 8, it was announced that López would require arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder, sidelining him for at least 12 weeks. The injury not only impacted his individual season but also created a void in the Braves’ starting rotation that the team had anticipated filling with his breakthrough performance from 2024. The rehabilitation process and recovery timeline became a major storyline for both López and the organization as they navigated the early portions of the season without their newly acquired starter.