Even though the Atlanta Braves bullpen has been great lately, there is no question they still need an experienced closer before the trade deadline.
As the trade deadline approaches, a lot of the focus for the Atlanta Braves could be on adding another starter. But it would be wise of them to try and improve the bullpen as well.
The bullpen of the Atlanta Braves has come a long way since the beginning of the season and they enter the All-Star break with the third best bullpen ERA in all of baseball, and the best in National League.
Most of that is due to the acquisition of Anthony Swarzak who has posted a 0.52 ERA and 0.81 WHIP in 17.1 innings with the Atlanta Braves and 21 strikeouts.
But the 33-year-old is due a little regression, and he’s currently on the shelf with an injury. We can’t count on overusing him down the stretch.
The same can be said for Luke Jackson who was brilliant for a while as he took over as the team’s closer, but he’s starting to show a kink in his armor after being used in 44 games in the first half.
His career high for appearances and innings pitched came in 2017 with the Braves when he pitched 50.2 innings over 43 games.
He’s likely going to surpass that before the end of July.
And while Luke has been great and helped steady the bullpen when it was in shambles, I don’t think I’m alone in saying I don’t fully trust him to close out big games down the stretch and in the postseason.
Maybe I’m wrong, but I would feel more comfortable with someone who has more experience in the closer role, and preferably someone who has closed out big games.
The list of those closers available is slim, and they will be in high demand before the July 31 trade deadline.