| Jason Delay | |
|---|---|
| Atlanta Braves | |
| Catcher | |
| Born: (1995-03-07)March 7, 1995 (age 30) Plano, Texas, U.S. | |
Bats: Right Throws: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| June 14, 2022, for the Pittsburgh Pirates | |
| MLB statistics (through 2024 season) | |
| Batting average | .231 |
| Home runs | 2 |
| Runs batted in | 35 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
Jason Thomas Delay (born March 7, 1995) is an American professionalbaseballcatcher for theAtlanta Braves ofMajor League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for thePittsburgh Pirates. He made his MLB debut in 2022.
Delay attendedNorthview High School inJohns Creek, Georgia, andVanderbilt University, where he playedcollege baseball for theVanderbilt Commodores.[1] He was a member of the2014 College World Series champions, and played in the2015 College World Series, which Vanderbilt lost.[2] In 2015, he playedcollegiate summer baseball with theBourne Braves of theCape Cod Baseball League, and returned to the league in 2016 with theCotuit Kettleers.[3][4]
ThePittsburgh Pirates selected Delay in the fourth round, with the 118th overall selection, of the2017 MLB draft.[5] He signed with the Pirates for a $100,000signing bonus.[6] Delay spent his first professional season with the rookie–levelBristol Pirates and Low–AWest Virginia Black Bears, hitting .228 in 34 combined appearances.[7]
Delay spent the 2018 season with the High–ABradenton Marauders, hitting .247/.325/.302 with two home runs and 21 RBI across 67 games.[8] In 2019, he played in 67 games for the Double–AAltoona Curve, slashing .234/.286/.398 with career–highs in home runs (8) and RBI (37). Delay did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of theCOVID-19 pandemic.[9]
He returned to action in 2021 with Altoona and the Triple–AIndianapolis Indians. In 30 games between the two affiliates, Delay batted .170/.204/.277 with two home runs and seven RBI.[10] He began the 2022 season with theIndianapolis Indians. In June 2022, Delay had decided he would retire from professional baseball during Indianapolis's upcoming trip to play theGwinnett Stripers, near his hometown inJohns Creek, Georgia.[11][12]
On June 13, 2022, Delay was selected to the40-man roster and promoted to the major leagues for the first time.[13] He made his major league debut on June 14 in the first game of a double header against theSt. Louis Cardinals.[14] After going 0-for-2 with a walk in his debut, the Piratesoptioned him back to Triple-AIndianapolis Indians.[15] On July 7, Delay recorded his first career hit, an RBI double off ofCincinnati Reds starterMike Minor.[16] On July 22, Delay hit his first career home run, a solo shot off ofMiami Marlins starterBraxton Garrett.[17] Delay made 57 appearances for the Pirates in his rookie campaign, hitting .213/.265/.271 with one home run and 11 RBI. He was outrighted off the roster on November 10.
On March 28, 2023, the Pirates announced that Delay had made theOpening Day roster as the backup catcher behindAustin Hedges.[18] He had his contract selected on March 30.[19] In 70 games for Pittsburgh, Delay batted .251/.319/.347 with one home run and 18 RBI.
Delay began the 2024 season with Pittsburgh, but played in only one game before suffering a knee injury. On April 19, 2024, it was announced that he would undergo surgery to repair atorn meniscus in his right knee.[20] He was activated from the injured list and optioned to Triple–A Indianapolis on June 3.[21] On June 14, Pirates catcherHenry Davis was removed from the game after the 6th inning. Davis was placed on the 7-day injured list with a concussion. Delay was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis on June 15.[22] He played his first game back the next day on June 16, and went 1-for-3 with a double and three RBI.[23] In 7 games for Pittsburgh, Delay went 3-for-15 (.200) with 6 RBI and 3 walks.
Delay was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis to begin the 2025 season.[24] On April 1, 2025, Delay wasdesignated for assignment following the promotion ofThomas Harrington.[25]
On April 3, 2025, Delay was traded to theAtlanta Braves in exchange for cash considerations.[26][27] He was optioned to theColumbus Clingstones.[28]
Delay is the son of Tim and Vicky. He has two older sisters, Julia and Kelly.[29]