While Alex Anthopoulos has long been known for building monster offensive teams, he has also put together a great core of relievers with Pierce Johnson, Joe Jimenez, and Raisel Iglesias anchoring the bullpen. As it stands, the Braves finished 3rd in all of MLB in bullpen fWAR at 6.1. However, of the 2 ahead of them, Cleveland pitched 623 relief innings and the Marlins pitched 652, while the Braves only pitched 539, the 3rd lowest in MLB. In today’s piece, we will take a look at the relief candidates and see if there’s a need to add to this talented group. With the loss of Jimenez for the season, the Braves will likely have to look externally to find a piece that can pitch in late and close situations.
Braves Bullpen: No Doubters
- Raisel Iglesias
- Pierce Johnson
- Dylan Lee
- Aaron Bummer
Braves Bullpen: Likely
Braves Bullpen: Shufflers
Breakdown: I think there’s a chance that Holmes starts as the 5th guy in the rotation as, like Spencer Schwellenbach, his stuff played up. I also think that Waldrep might be headed to the bullpen. He’s never really been able to develop a strong 3rd pitch and his stuff could definitely play up in 1 inning situations. With the loss of Jimenez, the Braves could choose to go after a reliever or let things play out. Alex Anthopoulos has always talked about the season as being split into thirds:
April-June: Evaluation of Needs
July/August: Fill holes
September-October: Let it ride.
In looking at the above scenario, AA could try to run Daysbel as one of the late inning guys and, if it doesn’t work, make a move at the trade deadline.
Needed Additions
While I’m not privy to health updates at the moment, Perdomo could be a great addition to the club, but might need a bit of time at AAA before getting the call-up. With that in mind, it seems as though the team needs a long man and another late inning reliever. If the Braves go grab another SP, or bring back Charlie Morton, Holmes could fulfill that role.
However, I expect an addition, either in the rotation or in the bullpen, and Grant Holmes might be the deciding factor in those talks.
Hey crew. Over the course of the past few years, our writers have dwindled down and the task of doing player reviews in the offseason is looming and I could use some aid in completing the task. If there is anyone that would be willing to help out, please reach out to me. My email is cothrjr at gmail. Thanks.
What happened to Cade Harrington?
I’m happy to help.
I can eat some innings if needed.
I think AJSS might eventually end up as a reliever too. His fastball isn’t very good if he’s not dialing it up in the high 90s, and when he held it back he got hammered. He also could just focus on his fastball/curve combination.
I’ve noticed that the Braves don’t like to transition starters they have developed into full time relievers often.
I’ve noticed the same thing, though obviously Jonny Venters was a spectacular exception to that rule! I’ll be very interested to see what changes our new coaches start to make, generally and across the board.