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Morton is Here… Now what’s next for the Braves?

By Edgar Galvan

Oct 18, 2020; Arlington, Texas, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Shane Greene (19) pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fifth inning during game seven of the 2020 NLCS at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2020; Arlington, Texas, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Shane Greene (19) pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fifth inning during game seven of the 2020 NLCS at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Atlanta Braves
Chris Martin of the Atlanta Braves celebrates after retiring the side against the Dodgers during the NLCS. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Atlanta Braves Bullpen 

This is an area that improved extremely this past season with the “big three” (Mark Melancon, Shane Greene, and Chris Martin) stepping up in big ways! The only problem is that two of these three men are free agents.

Chris Martin is signed through the 2021 season so that’s the good news. The bad news is that, in my eyes, the Braves will only end up with one of their remaining two free agent bullpen arms in Melancon and Greene.

So who should they sign?

Mark Melancon posted a 2.78 ERA with 11 saves and 14 strikeouts in 22.2 innings in 2020 in his closer role.

Shane Greene posted a 2.60 ERA with 21 strikeouts in 27.2 innings in 2020 in his “hybrid” setup-man role.

Both guys pitched relative lights out this past season and very much carried that into the postseason. This one is definitely a tough decision as both guys are going to be expecting the closer role upon their return. This is the biggest reason why I believe the Braves won’t get them both.

The deciding factor in this case for me has to be their ages. Mark Melancon is 35 and by no means is that old in everyday life, but in baseball, it’s not young. Shane Greene just turned 32 and that means he has the potential to be around for a little longer.

We all know Anthopoulos is not shy in giving relievers multiple years (i.e. Will Smith) so for this reason, I’ve made my choice.

Shane Greene should be re-signed by the Braves for a maximum of 3 years (maybe that 3rd year could be a team option?).

Also, with Chris Martin being a free agent after next season, it lends more credence to this decision.

Then, maybe look for another setup man on the market. Another lefty in that bullpen wouldn’t hurt and Sean Doolittle could fit right in place. 

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