| Julio Teherán | |
|---|---|
_(cropped).jpg) Teherán with the Atlanta Braves | |
| Free agent | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: (1991-01-27)January 27, 1991 (age 34) Cartagena, Colombia | |
Bats: Right Throws: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| May 7, 2011, for the Atlanta Braves | |
| MLB statistics (through 2024 season) | |
| Win–loss record | 81–82 |
| Earned run average | 3.85 |
| Strikeouts | 1,260 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
Julio Alberto Teherán Pinto (born January 27, 1991) is a Colombian professionalbaseballpitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played inMajor League Baseball (MLB) for theAtlanta Braves,Los Angeles Angels,Detroit Tigers,Milwaukee Brewers, andNew York Mets. Teherán signed with the Braves as an internationalfree agent in 2007 and made his MLB debut in 2011. He was anMLB All-Star in 2014 and 2016.
Teherán signed with the Atlanta Braves on July 3, 2007,[1][2] and started his professional career in 2008, pitching for theDanville Braves. During that season he started six games and had a 1–2 record with a 6.60ERA and 17strikeouts in 15innings.
He spent the 2009 season pitching for Danville and theRome Braves. In 14 starts, he went 3–4 with a 3.65 ERA and 67 strikeouts in 81 innings. Prior to the 2010 season,Baseball America ranked him as the Braves' third-best prospect, behindJason Heyward andFreddie Freeman.[3]
Coming off a promising 2009 season, the Atlanta Braves decided to allow Teheran another full season in the minors. He spent the 2010 season pitching for the Rome Braves,Myrtle Beach Pelicans, andMississippi Braves. He finished the season with a 9–8 record, a 2.59 ERA, and 159 strikeouts in 142 innings over 24 starts.
Prior to the 2011 season, Teherán was the top-ranked prospect byBaseball America in the Atlanta Braves system, and fifth overall of all prospects.[4][5] Teherán started the year with the Triple-AGwinnett Braves, going 3–0 with a 1.80 ERA in his first five starts. He was the starting pitcher for the World team in the 2011All-Star Futures Game on July 10, 2011, but gave up a home run on a 95-mphfastball to the first batter,Cleveland Indians prospectJason Kipnis, who was leading off the bottom of the first inning for the United States.[6][7]
Teherán made his Major League debut on May 7 against thePhiladelphia Phillies.[8] He took the loss, allowing three earned runs in4+2⁄3 innings pitched with twowalks and a strikeout.[9] He was optioned back to Triple-A the next day.[10] Teherán was called up again for another spot start on May 18, pitching four innings and getting a no-decision.[11] He was again optioned back to Triple-A the next day.[12]
He completed the 2011 minor league season with a 15–3 win–loss record and a 2.55 ERA in 24 starts.
Teherán rejoined the Atlanta Braves when rosters expanded in September.[13] He earned his first major league win against theNew York Mets on September 8.[14] He was named a starting pitcher onBaseball America's 2011 Minor League All Star team.[15]
Teherán was ranked fifth byBaseball America among all prospects entering the 2012 season, and the second-best right-handed pitcher.[16] With the five-man rotation in question, he was invited to spring training to make his case for a spot on the 25-man roster. In the 5 games he appeared in, including three starts, Teherán struggled to find a groove, giving up 22 hits and 18 runs in just 16.1 innings pitched. He was unable to consistently throw strikes as well, giving up eight walks. After struggling against Major League hitters, Teherán was assigned to re-join Gwinnett where he continued his inconsistencies.[17] He fell to a 7–9 record in 26 starts with a 5.08 ERA, giving up 18 home runs.
When injuries plagued the Major League roster, including a season-ending injury toBrandon Beachy, Teherán was passed over by several other players for the call-up. Atlanta signed free agentBen Sheets, traded forPaul Maholm, and calledRandall Delgado up as replacements rather than the highly touted prospect.
Expectations for the 21-year-old Teherán were lower in 2013 than the previous spring.[18] He was invited to the Major League spring training once again, however, where he showed flares of stardom, posting a 1.29 ERA through four starts, spanning14+1⁄3 innings through March 16. He did not start the regular season off strong, with a 5.08 ERA in the first month, but 2013 ended up being his breakout year. He turned things around after April, finishing the season with 14-8 record, 3.20 ERA, 170 strikeouts, and185+2⁄3 innings pitched. On June 5, Teherán was pitching ano-hitter against thePittsburgh Pirates through7+2⁄3 innings before giving up a single to pinch-hitterBrandon Inge.[19]
Teherán signed a 6-year, $32.4 million extension with the Braves on February 14, 2014.[20][21] He was the Braves'Opening Day starter for the first time in his career, taking the loss in a 2–0 game against theMilwaukee Brewers. Teherán was selected to the2014 MLB All-Star Game, his firstAll-Star Game selection.[22] However, he was ineligible due to previously pitching the Sunday before the All-Star break.[23] He was honored as an All-Star in a pregame ceremony. Teherán became the second Colombian to be selected an All-Star, following former Braves playerÉdgar Rentería.[24] In 33 starts on the season, Teheran went 14–13 with a 2.89 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP, and 186 strikeouts in 221 innings.
In 2015, Teherán was once again the Braves' Opening Day starting pitcher, winning a 2–1 game against theMiami Marlins. In 33 starts, he went 11–8 with a 4.04 ERA.
For the third consecutive year, the Braves began their season with Teherán on the mound. He earned a no-decision in a 4–3 loss to theWashington Nationals. During a game on May 24, he recorded a career-high 12 strikeouts, includingfour in one inning.[25] He was named to his second All-Star Game after posting a 3–7 record with a 2.72 ERA.[26] He finished the season with a 7–10 record and a 3.21 ERA in 188 innings pitched.
For the fourth consecutive year, Teherán was the Braves' Opening Day starting pitcher, pitching six scoreless innings against theNew York Mets before being pulled. He joinedRick Mahler (1985–88) andGreg Maddux (1993-96) as the lone Atlanta pitchers to start four straight season openers.[27]
On April 14, Teheran was the starting pitcher for the first game in SunTrust Park history.[28][29] He allowed two runs on five hits with four walks and five strikeouts in a 5–2 win against theSan Diego Padres.[30] He finished the season with an 11-13 record and a 4.69 ERA in 32 starts. Batters stole 26 bases against him, tied for tops in the major leagues, while being caught six times.[31] He struggled mightily atSunTrust Park, going 3–10 with a 5.89 ERA in 17 home starts.
Teherán was named the Opening Day starting pitcher for the 2018 season, and was the first Atlanta Braves pitcher to start five consecutive Opening Day games.[32][33] Against theNew York Mets on May 3, Teherán took a no-hitter through 6.2 innings until allowing a hit byAsdrubal Cabrera. Nevertheless, the Braves won 11–0.[34] Teherán hit his first home run on August 5, while facing Mets' pitcherCorey Oswalt.[35] For the season he was 9–9 with a 3.94 ERA, and led the major leagues in holding opposing batters to the lowestbatting average on balls in play (.217).[36]
Prior to the start of the2019 Atlanta Braves season, Teherán began pitching exclusively from the stretch.[37] He started on Opening Day of the 2019 season, tyingWarren Spahn for the most consecutive Opening Day starts made in franchise history.[38][39] For the season, Teherán compiled a 10–11 record and a 3.81 earned run average.[40] Teherán became a free agent at the end of the season, as his contract option was declined.[41][42]
Teherán and theLos Angeles Angels agreed to terms on a one-year, $9 million contract on December 21, 2019.[43][44] On July 19, 2020, Teherán disclosed that he had tested positive forCOVID-19.[45][46] Teherán made his Angels debut on August 5, 2020 against the Seattle Mariners. While under a 60 pitch limit, he threw2+2⁄3 innings, striking out two while allowing two runs.[47] Teherán finished the season with a career high 10.05 ERA, going 0-4 in 10 appearances. He became a free agent at the end of the season.[48]
On February 19, 2021, Teherán signed a minor league contract with theDetroit Tigers organization that included an invitation to spring training.[49][50] On March 24, Teherán's contract was selected to the 40-man roster.[51] Having opted out of his initial minor league contract, Teherán and the Tigers agreed to a one-year deal worth $3 million, plus a $1 million bonus if he starts 20 games.[52] On April 3, Teherán won his Tigers debut, allowing one run over five innings in the Tigers 5–2 win against theCleveland Indians.[53]
On April 10, 2021, Teherán was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right shoulder strain and was transferred to the 60-day IL a day later.[54][55][56] On September 5, the Tigers shut Teheran down for the season.[57] During the offseason, Teherán trained withCarlos Castillo in Miami, who advised him to lower his arm angle, change the grip on his changeup, and begin throwing a cutter.[58]
On April 21, 2022, Teherán signed with theStaten Island FerryHawks of theAtlantic League of Professional Baseball.[59] In 6 starts, he posted a 1–1 record with a 1.60 ERA over33+2⁄3 innings.
On June 25, 2022, Teherán's contract was purchased by theToros de Tijuana of theMexican League.[60] In 6 starts, he posted a 4–1 record with a 4.88 ERA over27+2⁄3 innings. Teherán was released on August 1.[61]
On August 1, 2022, Teherán signed with theSultanes de Monterrey of theMexican League.[62] Teherán made only one start for Monterrey, allowing two runs (one earned) on four hits with six strikeouts across five innings pitched.
On November 27, 2022, Teherán signed a minor league deal with theSan Diego Padres.[63][64] He began the 2023 season with the Triple-AEl Paso Chihuahuas, but struggled to a 6.84 ERA and 2-2 record with 29 strikeouts across 5 starts. On May 2, 2023, Teherán opted out of his contract and became a free agent.[65] On May 4, Teheran re-signed with the Padres on a new minor league contract.[66] Teherán again exercised an opt-out clause in his contract.[67]
On May 23, 2023, Teherán signed a one-year, major league contract with theMilwaukee Brewers.[68][69] In 14 games (11 starts) for Milwaukee, he registered a 3–5 record and 4.40 ERA with 50 strikeouts in71+2⁄3 innings pitched. On September 29, Teherán wasdesignated for assignment by the Brewers following the promotion ofCaleb Boushley.[70] He cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple–ANashville Sounds on October 2.[71] On October 6, Teherán elected free agency.[72]
On February 27, 2024, Teherán signed a minor league contract with theBaltimore Orioles.[73] On March 23, Teherán opted out of his contract and was released by Baltimore after failing to make the Opening Day roster.[74]
On April 5, 2024, Teherán signed a one–year, $2.5 million contract with theNew York Mets.[75] He made one start against the Atlanta Braves, allowing four runs on six hits across2+2⁄3 innings. Teherán wasdesignated for assignment by the Mets on April 9.[76] Two days later on April 11, he rejected an outright assignment in favor of free agency.[77]
On April 14, 2024, Teherán signed a minor league contract with theChicago Cubs.[78] In 8 starts for the Triple–AIowa Cubs, he struggled to an 8.82 ERA with 37 strikeouts across32+2⁄3 innings pitched. On June 1, Teherán exercised the opt–out clause in his contract and elected free agency.[79]
On June 4, 2024, Teherán signed a minor league contract with theBaltimore Orioles.[80][81] In 4 starts for the Triple–ANorfolk Tides, he struggled to a 9.18 ERA with 12 strikeouts across16+2⁄3 innings pitched. On June 29, Teherán opted out of his contract and reentered free agency.[82]
On July 5, 2024, Teherán signed with theSultanes de Monterrey of theMexican League.[83] In 3 starts for Monterrey, he registered a 1–1 record and 2.35 ERA with 12 strikeouts over15+1⁄3 innings pitched. Teherán was released by the Sultanes on March 5, 2025.[84]
On March 25, 2025, Teherán signed with theToros de Tijuana of theMexican League.[85] On July 1, Teherán was traded toEl Águila de Veracruz of theMexican League in exchange for David Reyes.[86] However, on July 3, the transaction was rescinded and Luis Márquez was officially traded to Veracruz on Teherán's place.[87] In 14 appearances (12 starts) for Tijuana, he logged a 4-3 record and 6.95 ERA with 38 strikeouts over 57 innings of work. On July 11, Teherán was released by the Toros.[88]
Teherán represents theColombia national baseball team in international competition. At the2017 World Baseball Classic, he pitched five innings of one-run ball againstCanada in what would be Colombia's first ever victory in the WBC.[89][90] He was named to the roster of the2023 World Baseball Classic, but did not play.[91][92]
Teherán played with Colombia at the2026 World Baseball Classic qualifiers, held in March 2025 in Tucson, Arizona.[93] In six scoreless innings againstBrazil, he registered four strikeouts and allowed only a single hit.[94] He was named one of the 10 standout players from the qualifiers by MLB.com, helping Colombia qualify to the 2026 tournament undefeated.[95][96]
Teherán throws afour seam fastball that averages 92 mph, paired with atwo seam fastball at 89 mph. Hisslider andchange up both are thrown at around 82 mph. Hiscurveball sits in the mid-70s. Teherán also has ascrewball (65 mph) that he does not use very often.[97] Teherán has a very effectivepickoff move.[98][99] His 22 successful attempts in 2014 through early September was the most for any pitcher during that period.[100]
Teherán's uncle Miguel worked for the Braves as a scout.[101] Teherán's second cousin isSugar Ray Marimón.[102] They grew up together in Cartagena, and were Braves teammates in 2015.[103]
Teherán married Yoselin Rincón in February 2016.[104] The couple's first child was born in August of that year.[105]
He settled for a minor league deal with the Tigers the next spring, hurt his shoulder after one start in Detroit and never pitched there again. That winter, Teheran threw for Carlos Castillo, a former major leaguer who now runs a training center in Miami. His fastball topped out at 79 miles an hour. ... Driveline training methods helped Teheran recover lost velocity, and Castillo worked with him on understanding the analytics of his pitches. Trusting Castillo to reimagine his arsenal, Teheran added a cutter, altered his changeup grip and lowered his arm angle to hide the ball better. When it was still not enough to land even a minor league deal for 2022, off he went to the FerryHawks, a first-year franchise in the independent Atlantic League.
The 32-year-old veteran opted out of his minor league deal with the Padres on Tuesday, signed a new one on Thursday and on Friday struck out seven over five solid innings in Triple-A El Paso's 7-4 win over visiting Oklahoma City
