Earlier this week the Braves got devastating news that Joe Jimenez will likely miss most of the 2025 after a recent knee surgery. It was an unexpected and substantial blow to Atlanta. Coming into the offseason the bullpen figured to be one of the least addressed areas on the team. However, now it feels as if Alex Anthopoulos has to make a move to make up for this significant loss.
Anthopoulos has already cleared some payroll to make a splash this offseason, could these savvy moves be an indication of a late-inning arm he is targeting? Jimenez was one of the better relievers in all of baseball last season so replacing him won't be easy.
Given the amount of arms available via free agency and trade, the task shouldn't be too difficult for AA to pull off. The list of potential replacements could've been upwards of 30 if we're being realistic, but to avoid the overkill I've narrowed it down to ten possible fits for the 2025 Braves bullpen.
A.J. Minter - free agent
We begin with a lifetime Brave and someone who has thrown many big-time innings for Atlanta. Minter has been one of the best mid/high-leverage bullpen arms for nearly half a decade now. Unfortunately, injury struck Minter the season before he hit free agency.
Minter underwent hip surgery this past August, and the impending question about his health may have been enough to keep him in Atlanta. It's likely Minter lands a one-year prove it deal, hoping to hit the market again next offseason. It's not a surefire great replacement, but the Braves know Minter well enough to decide how risky bringing him back would be.
Tanner Scott - free agent
One of the biggest names to move at last year's trade deadline was former Padre Tanner Scott. He pitched effectively down the stretch for San Diego, and finished the year 1.75 ERA.
Scott ranked in the 100th percentile in average exit velocity allowed (84.3), and racked up 84 K's in 72 innings. The big time arm from the left side would give the Braves some serious left-handed talent in the backend of their bullpen.
Ryan Helsley - trade candidate
If the Braves want to bring in a right-handed flamethrower they'd be hard pressed to find anyone better than Ryan Helsley of the Cardinals. Last season Helsley once again ranked amongst the best in sheer velocity from the right-side. His fastball AVERAGED 99.6 mph, and he ranked in the 97th percentile in both whiff% and barrel%.
Helsley accumulated 49 saves for St. Louis last year with a 2.04 ERA. Acquiring him won't be cheap, but for a St. Louis Cardinals team that is in need of a hard reset Anthopoulos should at least pick up the phone.
Aroldis Chapman - free agent
Next we arrive at perhaps the greatest flamethrower of this generation...Alroldis Chapman. The now 36 year-old veteran can still bring the heat from the left-side, averaging 98.7 mph on his fastball last season. Walks have become more of a problem as he's progressed through his career, but maybe a move out of the ninth inning would allow Chapman to be more aggressive in the zone.
Aroldis Chapman. 104.7 MPH!!!!! pic.twitter.com/1fD6hM7cqI
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 8, 2024
Camilo Doval - trade candidate
Last season was the toughest year yet in the majors for young Camilo Doval. Although he pitched through a bit of hard luck, Doval closed the game often out in San Francisco. When he's right there's few pitchers better in the league.
It's been reported that teams have already began calling about Doval's availibilty this offseason. Because Doval won't be a free agent until after the 2027 season, it's probably best for the Giants to allow him to pitch the first couple months in an attempt to rebuild his value. However, if Anthopoulos comes calling in July don't be surprised.