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Atlanta Braves: 5 Best Relief Options Left on the Board

By Jake Mastroianni

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 17: Craig Kimbrel #46 of the Atlanta Braves leaves the bullpen to pitch in the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Turner Field on September 17, 2014 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 17: Craig Kimbrel #46 of the Atlanta Braves leaves the bullpen to pitch in the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Turner Field on September 17, 2014 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 07: Adam Ottavino #0 of the Colorado Rockies pitches in the seventh inning of Game Three of the National League Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers at Coors Field on October 7, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 07: Adam Ottavino #0 of the Colorado Rockies pitches in the seventh inning of Game Three of the National League Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers at Coors Field on October 7, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

Adam Ottavino

The next best reliever available on the free agent market is Adam Ottavino. He’s coming off a career year in which he posted an ERA of 2.43 in 77.2 innings pitched with 112 strikeouts and 6 saves.

He’s never been a full-time closer, which is what the Atlanta Braves really need, but he obviously has closer-type stuff.

You might not realize it, but Ottavino is 33-years-old, so it’s not like he’s an up-and-coming reliever in the game — he’s been around for a while.

He has a career ERA of 3.68 with 464 strikeouts in 413 innings. In 2017 he had his worst season with an ERA of 5.06 in 53.1 innings with 63 strikeouts.

I’ve always been a fan of Ottavino, but you have to be cautious with a player coming off a career season a year after having his worst season.

He appears to be looking for a big payday this offseason, which is probably why he’s held out this long. I don’t think the Braves are going to be the team to give it to him.

I think he gets a similar deal to what David Robertson got. I’d be a  little surprised if he got a three-year deal.

The New York Yankees have had the most interest in him, and I’d almost be willing to bet the house they sign him.

Ottavino would have to take a two-year deal for around $10 ro $11 million for the Braves to even consider him in my opinion.

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