Atlanta Braves: Offseason grades for every signing

Bullpen Grades

Arodys Vizcaino and A.J. Minter were the backend of the bullpen this time last year, so, yeah; the grade for the bullpen upgrades/returnees is fairly high.

Will Smith signed a 3-year, $40 million dollar deal with the Braves early in the hot stove season, which instantly gave the Braves the star closer they have lacked since Craig Kimbrel was traded five years ago; although, the Braves are saying Mark Melancon will start the year as the team’s closer. We’ll see how long that lasts.

Smith had 34 saves with a 2.76 ERA last season for the Giants, while making his first All-Star team. He struck out 13 batters per nine innings and made 63 appearances.

Will Smith grade: A+

When the Braves traded for Chris Martin at last year’s trade deadline, it was one of the more underrated moves of the summer.

Martin had a 3.08 ERA in 38 innings with the Rangers before being dealt to Atlanta. In 20 appearances for the Braves, he had a 4.08 ERA. And of course, his injury in the NLDS played a huge part in the Braves not advancing to the NCLS.

He signed a 2-year, $14 million deal this offseason.

Chris Martin grade: A

Darren O’Day spent most of last season on the injured list before making his debut in September.

In eight appearances, O’Day had an ERA of 1.69 and a 0.765 WHIP.

The Braves lengthened their bullpen even more by signing O’Day, which now gives them so many options in the later innings.

Darren O’Day grade: A-