It’s obvious that the Atlanta Braves want to bolster their bullpen this summer. The Braves bullpen appears more vulnerable than normal due to Joe Jimenez’s injury and the possible (and more likely) departure of AJ Minter in free agency. With Chris Sale no longer being a young man, Max Fried out of Atlanta’s rotation, and Spencer Strider missing the first month or two of the 2025 season due to rehabilitation, it seems imperative to have a solid bullpen for the next campaign.
This isn’t necessarily an emergency because the Braves currently have some excellent bullpen components, particularly with Raisel Iglesias finishing games. However, the Braves appear to be considering acquiring some serious depth, especially after their deal with Jeff Hoffman fell through, since it would put Atlanta in a much better position for a postseason push.
These are the free agency bullpen arms that are currently worth pursuing.
It’s likely that some of these takes will age very poorly because relievers are the most erratic group in baseball. That’s all right! This is only an overview of the current state of the free agency market and the projected performance of these players for the next campaign. This list isn’t designed to be all-inclusive, but it should provide fans some insight into what to look for and what not to look for in the event that the Braves make any bullpen changes in the future.
Tanner Scott Scott is now a top target for the Braves, and for good reason. He has been among the top relievers in baseball for the past two seasons altogether, and he just had a season in which he recorded a 1.75 ERA and 2.92 FIP in 72 innings of work. The only obstacle is Scott’s asking price, which is said to be up to $20 million year over a number of years. He would undoubtedly make Atlanta’s bullpen a formidable force, and if Iglesias retires after the 2025 season, he would immediately become Iglesias’ heir apparent. However, it could be outside the Braves’ comfort zone, especially on a long-term deal.
99mph ♽️ Tanner Scott, pic.twitter.com/d3TUxTH0Yu
Rob Friedman, who goes by @PitchingNinja 12 October 2024
Robertson, David
The Braves could do much worse than David Robertson if they’re searching for a short-term relief option with potential. Although Robertson is a cutter/knuckle curve who is also approaching his 40th year, his profile is peculiar since he consistently has excellent strikeout totals and excels at preventing heavy contact and keeping the ball on the ground. At Robertson’s age, a multi-year contract would be extremely ambitious, but the Braves may benefit greatly from a one-year agreement with a two-year option.
The Braves should stay away from these free agency bullpen arms.
Not all bullpen arms are made equal, even though there are still some interesting ones available. Apart from the players that are objectively terrible, the Braves should definitely avoid a few well-known names that are still available unless they can be signed at a reduced cost.
Estevez Carlos
Estevez is a strange one since he appears to be a perfect fit based on the counting statistics. He has a lot of experience pitching under pressure, and in 2024 he recorded a 2.45 ERA with the Angels and Phillies. A simple decision, isn’t it? The answer is no for Estevez. Along with not missing many bats and being among the worst relievers in baseball in terms of getting ground balls and avoiding hard contact, Estevez recently had a career-best 3.24 FIP last season, which appears to be an exception when compared to the rest of his career. Although he has performed well over the past two years, the Braves shouldn’t take the chance unless it is factored into his contract.
Jansen, Kenley
Reunions are always a hit, and Jansen is undoubtedly one of the greatest relievers of his time. Even though he isn’t quite as good as he used to be, he has maintained a low to mid-3 ERA throughout his one season with the Braves. The Braves simply have better options available to them that are less likely to turn into a pumpkin after signing him, and since he is 37 years old, his ability to limit barrels has diminished, and his strikeout rate is trending downward, he is likely to demand real money in his next deal.
