Here are the free agent relievers that would help the Braves overhaul their bullpen
The Braves bullpen could look significantly different in 2025.
To keep it simple, there is potential for the Atlanta Braves bullpen to look drastically different in 2025 compared to what it was in 2024.
With free agency looming, the Braves will have multiple decisions to make this upcoming offseason facing the entire roster, with a few of those in particular coming in the bullpen. In fact, here are all of the pitchers who have seen significant action in the Braves bullpen this season, as well as whether they are currently set to return to Atlanta in 2025 or enter free agency.
- Free Agents: LHP A.J. Minter, RHP Jesse Chavez
- Set to Return: RHP Raisel Iglesias (Signed through 2025), RHP Joe Jimenez (Signed through 2026), RHP Pierce Johnson (Signed through 2025/2026 Option), LHP Dylan Lee (Under Control through 2028)
- Decisions to Make: LHP Aaron Bummer (Team Option), RHP Luke Jackson (Team Option), RHP John Brebbia (Team Option), LHP Tyler Matzek (Team Option)
In general, the Braves have a pair of notable free agents in Minter and Chavez and numerous decisions to make through team options through names such as Bummer and Jackson. However, others like Iglesias and Jimenez will return, barring a trade in the offseason for anyone in the "set to return" group.
So, could the Braves potentially add anyone to that group this offseason, and if so, who?
Free agent relief pitchers the Atlanta Braves should target this offseason
Based on the needs that the Braves could have, there is certainly reason to believe that Atlanta takes a look at a few free agents this offseason.
With that thought in mind, here are some relief pitchers that the Atlanta Braves should target in free agency this offseason, as well as what potential role each could fill with the organization in 2025.
NOTE: Stats mentioned are current as of Friday, September 20, 2024.
Tanner Scott, Left-Handed Pitcher
2024 Stats: 9-5 record, 1.57 ERA, 80:34 K/BB ratio, 21 saves across 68.2 IP
A pitcher who is certainly a familiar face to Braves' fans, Scott might be near the top of the list when it comes to bullpen free agent targets this offseason.
Formerly the Miami Marlins closer, Scott made his first-career All-Star appearance this season and owns a combined 1.60 ERA and a 79:34 K/BB ratio with 21 saves between the Marlins and San Diego Padres. Coming off likely the best season of his eight-year MLB career, Scott will be a sought-after name during the offseason as arguably the best left-handed bullpen option available.
Kirby Yates, Right-Handed Pitcher
2024 Stats: 6-2 record, 1.23 ERA, 83:27 K/BB ratio, 31 saves across 58.2 IP
A former reliever for the Atlanta Braves from 2022-2023, it would make a lot of sense for the club to try bringing back Yates this offseason.
After a solid 2023 season with the Braves in which he pitched his most innings since 2019, Yates has taken an even bigger step toward his former All-Star self this year with the Texas Rangers in which he owns a 1.23 ERA, an 83:27 K/BB ratio, and 31 saves across 58.2 IP. Coming off this season, the right-hander will likely garner significant interest in free agency, with Atlanta one of the teams that should consider.
A.J. Minter, Left-Handed Pitcher
2024 Stats: 5-4 record, 2.62 ERA, 35:11 K/BB ratio, 1 save across 34.1 IP
The lone member of Atlanta's 2024 roster to feature on this list, could the Braves end up bringing Minter back next season after allowing the left-hander to reach free agency?
Drafted in the second round back in 2015, Minter has spent his entire career in Atlanta so far, and is coming off an injury-shortened 2024 season where he held a 2.62 ERA and 35:11 K/BB ratio across 34.1 IP. Should he return to Atlanta, Minter would likely resume his familiar late-inning role as in recent years.
Blake Treinen, Right-Handed Pitcher
2024 Stats: 6-3 record, 2.06 ERA, 51:10 K/BB ratio, 1 save across 43.2 IP
A veteran pitcher with extensive closing experience, Treinen would be an intriguing option coming off a bounce-back 2024 season, especially if the Braves were looking for a late-inning reliever.
The right-hander, who is a 10-year MLB veteran, did not pitch at the major league level a year ago due to an injury but has enjoyed a strong 2024 campaign with the Los Angeles Dodgers in which he owns a 2.11 ERA and 49:10 K/BB ratio across 42.2 IP. Treinen, who will be entering his age-37 season, is set to be one of the top set-up options available this offseason and should be a sought-after name this offseason among relievers after a strong tenure in Los Angeles.
Tommy Kahnle, Right-Handed Pitcher
2024 Stats: 0-1 record, 1.77 ERA, 43:18 K/BB ratio, 1 save across 40.2 IP
A veteran reliever who is in the midst of one of his best single-seasons as a member of the New York Yankees, could the Braves potentially give Kahnle a look this offseason?
Kahnle, a 34-year-old, is currently enjoying one of the best seasons of his career in which he owns a 1.77 ERA and 43:18 K/BB ratio across 40.2 IP. The right-hander would likely play a middle-inning role for the Braves, while also bringing postseason experience.
Chris Martin, Right-Handed Pitcher
2024 Stats: 2-1 record, 3.48 ERA, 48:2 K/BB ratio, 2 saves across 41.1 IP
Yet another name who is familiar to Braves' fans, could Martin potentially return to Atlanta in 2025?
A member of the Braves bullpen from 2019-21, Martin has spent both of the past two seasons with the Boston Red Sox in which he held a 1.05 ERA in 2023, as well as a 3.48 ERA and 48:2 K/BB ratio across 41.1 IP this season. The veteran right-hander has proven experience and would be a reliable middle-inning option who does not walk many batters.
Nick Martinez, Right-Handed Pitcher
2024 Stats: 10-6 record, 3.22 ERA, 113:18 K/BB ratio across 134.1 IP
Lastly, if the Braves were to potentially add a multi-inning option who has proven starting experience this offseason, Martinez might just be the top option.
A veteran right-hander, Martinez has enjoyed a strong 2024 season with the Cincinnati Reds in which he owns a 3.22 ERA and 113:18 K/BB ratio across 41 appearances, 15 of which have been starts. No, he would not be a starter in Atlanta, but would still be an intriguing bullpen option who could start a game if needed.
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