The reliever market around Major League Baseball is quickly heating up with Edwin Diaz's new $69 million contract with the Dodgers stealing headlines on Tuesday afternoon. The Atlanta Braves could look to join the action very soon, and while Alex Anthopoulos has held firm in his stance about the bullpen being less of a priority, he may not be afforded to opportunity to circle back for good relievers toward the end of the offseason.
The latest injury news around Joe Jimenez only gives Anthopoulos more reason to start working the phones on some of these late-inning relief options. Anthopoulos reiterated the uncertainty around reliever Jimenez, who recently underwent a cleanup procedure on his knee. Although Anthopoulos hasn't directly said this, it feels like the Braves aren't counting on Jimenez to be a reliable bullpen piece in 2026. Because of this, it sounds like the Braves are prepared to make a real splash for their bullpen this offseason.
Jimenez uncertainty, plus a fast-moving bullpen market, makes us think the Braves will be aggressive on relievers this offseason
First year manager Walt Weiss would have a tough assignment if the Braves were to roll into Opening Day with the currently constructed bullpen. Moves are there to be made, and plenty of late-inning options remain available for signing. Current free agents Tyler Rogers, Robert Suarez, and Pete Fairbanks all would do wonders for this bullpen group in need of star power. Hopefully, as the Winter Meetings progress we learn a bit more about the Braves interest level in signing one of these impact relievers.
Anthopoulos worked hard to bring closer Raisel Iglesias back to Atlanta, and as the baseball offseason continues to unfold we are quickly learning good relievers are in very high demand. Many fans bemoan the fact that Alex Anthopoulos adds SO many fringe 40-man roster relievers, but the Iglesias contract shows AA is willing to spend on the right player.
We know Anthopoulos does not love long-term deals, especially for pitchers, and that is why the Braves could make noise in the free agent relief pitcher market. Very few contracts for relief pitchers go beyond three years in length, and quality starting pitching comes at a steeper cost in money, years, and even a draft pick in some cases. This is why Anthopoulos could turn his attention toward the bullpen market, especially considering how fast things are moving around MLB.
How serious will Anthopoulos get regarding the bullpen remains to be seen. However, the starting pitching and shortstop market is moving at a glacial pace compared to the bullpen. For Anthopoulos, if he wants to add a real talent to the bullpen, the time to do so is now.