ADVANCE DEAL: Braves are now in advance negotiation to land “WAR LEADER” free agent

For better or worse, the Braves’ bullpen might see a lot of movement this offseason. Two of Atlanta’s top bullpen arms, Joe Jiménez and Jesse Chavez, are ready to enter the market. Chavez may retire, and Jiménez will almost certainly be pricey. However, given how much the Braves gave up to acquire him, you have to believe he’s a major priority. The Braves, on the other hand, have already signed Pierce Johnson to a long-term contract extension.

Whatever happens with their remaining pending free agents, there are plenty of intriguing choices. Even if they do bring them back, they should be interested in some improvements. There are much too many relievers to list, so I’ll just go with one.

Reynaldo Lopez, RHP, Cleveland Guardians
Lopez was moved to the Angels at the trade deadline, and he was pitching well for the Halos when LA called it quits on the season by designating him and the other players they traded for at the deadline. He was much better for Cleveland, allowing only one run in 11 innings. He’d provide the Braves with even more firepower out of the bullpen.

LHP San Diego Padres’ Josh Hader

Hader would put the Braves over the top; he and AJ Minter would form the best left-handed bullpen combo in baseball. I don’t see the Braves spending that much money on another bullpen arm, but a man can dream. Over 56 innings, he had a 1.28 ERA.

Ryan Brasier, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers

Brasier struggled with the Red Sox in 2023, allowing 17 earned runs in 21 innings. After being acquired by the Dodgers, he found his groove, allowing only three earned runs in 38.2 innings for a 0.70 ERA. He’s a fascinating buy-low prospect.

RHP San Francisco Giants’ Jakob Junis

Junis appears to be a Braves-style acquisition. His statistics aren’t enticing, but he possesses a decent breaking ball, doesn’t walk batters, and generates soft contact. He might be a Collin McHugh replacement if the Braves decide to release him.