Predicting the Atlanta Braves bullpen hierarchy for 2024

The Braves bullpen is loaded with talented pitchers. But exactly how will the pecking order shake out?

Division Series - Atlanta Braves v Philadelphia Phillies - Game Four
Division Series - Atlanta Braves v Philadelphia Phillies - Game Four | Kevin D. Liles/Atlanta Braves/GettyImages
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Lefties looking to bounce back

Tyler Matzek
Atlanta Braves v Philadelphia Phillies | Mitchell Leff/GettyImages

Middle relief/High-Leverage: Aaron Bummer - 2024 will be Bummer's eighth year in the big leagues, but his first outside the White Sox organization. Haunted by poor defense and bad luck, Bummer will look to get back to the pitcher he has been for the majority of his career. His lifetime 3.84 ERA and 3.38 FIP suggest he can accomplish just that in a Braves uniform.

  • Fangraphs Zips projections: 54.2 IP, 4.11 ERA, 3.99 FIP, 29 K%, 0.3 fWAR

Middle relief: Tyler Matzek - He will forever be remembered as a postseason hero in Atlanta. However, if he wants to get back to the effectiveness he had in 2021 Matzek needs to find the velocity on his fastball once again. He is out of options, so I would expect him to break camp on the team, but if the velocity isn't there Matzek could have the end of his Braves tenure tarnished by a rash of unfortunate injuries.

  • Fangraphs Zips projections: 45 IP, 4.20 ERA, 4.63 FIP, 24.1 K%, 0.0 fWAR

Middle relief: Dylan Lee - When on the mound, Dylan Lee has been an effective big league pitcher. Unfortunately, last season Lee couldn't stay on the field. Should Lee bounce back from his shoulder troubles from last year, he could once again be a relied on pitcher for Brian Snitker.

  • Fangraphs Zips projections: 48 IP, 3.38 ERA, 3.40 FIP, 26.4 K%, 0.6 fWAR

Low-risk, High-reward: Ray Kerr - The Braves acquired Ray Kerr from San Diego this offseason in the hopes to find a high-velocity arm from the left side. Pitching in just 22 games last season, Kerr posted good strikeout numbers in his limited action. Like most relievers, command is the key for Kerr.

  • Fangraphs Zips projections: 53.2 IP, 4.36 ERA, 4.39 FIP, 26.1 K%, 0.1 fWAR

Schedule