Atlanta Braves Facing Offseason Setback with Key Injury
Atlanta, known for its vibrant baseball culture, is now facing a tough offseason blow just days into what should be a time for mulling over trades and signings. The team has **lost** one of its main relief pitchers, Joe Jimenez, who underwent surgery to fix some serious damage to the cartilage in his left knee on October 29. The recovery process is projected to take anywhere from eight to twelve months. This means we might not see Jimenez on the mound for a good chunk of the 2025 season.
For those who mightโve missed his impact last season, Jimenez was a standout performer! He tallied up a solid 2.62 ERA with an impressive count of 82 strikeouts over 68.2 innings. Not only was he reliable, but he also stepped up to act as a backup closer when Raisel Iglesias was unavailable, saving seven games along the way. The Braves initially snagged Jimenez from the Detroit Tigers back in December 2022 and were thrilled enough with his performance to give him a three-year, $26 million deal, especially after he ended the 2023 season with a 3.04 ERA for 73 strikeouts over 56.1 innings.
Now, Jimenez has around $18 million left on his contract, but the painful truth is that he might not even pitch during the 2025 season. This situation opens up a huge need for the Braves in their bullpen lineup.
Shifting the Roster: What Comes Next?
In light of this injury, fans are already speculating about how the Braves might shift their roster. Just last week, they traded outfielder Jorge Soler along with the remaining $26 million on his contract to the Los Angeles Angels. This deal may have been influenced by Jimenez’s injury, creating a pressing need to find another reliever. It seems like the Braves are on the hunt, but the clock is ticking! Theyโve also decided to decline an $8 million option on catcher Travis dโArnaud, making it clear theyโre strategizing for the season ahead.
Currently, the Braves have a few internal options for Jimenezโs replacement in the bullpen. They’ve got Pierce Johnson, who holds a 3.67 ERA with 67 strikeouts across 56.1 innings, as well as pitchers like Dylan Lee (2.11 ERA and 76 strikeouts in 59.2 innings), Grant Holmes (3.56 with 70 strikeouts in 68.1 innings), and Daysbel Hernรกndez (2.50 with 26 strikeouts in 18 innings) all potentially stepping into the spotlight.
Possible Free-Agent Additions
But thatโs not allโthe Braves might also dip into the free-agent market to find a new arm. Some promising right-handed relievers could be available, including:
- Clay Holmes with a 3.14 ERA and 68 strikeouts over 63 innings for the Yankees
- Tanner Scott at 2.73 with 31 strikeouts in 26.1 innings for the Padres
- Blake Treinen, boasting a stunning 1.93 ERA and 56 strikeouts in 46.2 innings for the Dodgers
- Jeff Hoffman at 2.17 with 89 strikeouts in 66.1 innings for the Phillies
- Carlos Estevez who recorded a 2.45 ERA with 50 strikeouts in 55 innings
Don’t forget about veteran closers like Aroldis Chapman and Kenley Jansen, who could be options to consider as well. The window for action is opening up, and itโs going to be fascinating to see how General Manager Alex Anthopoulos addresses this surprise setback.
The offseason is just heating up, but the Braves need to act quickly to ensure they stay competitive. Fans are definitely eager to see how this all unfolds and whether the team can fill the void left by Jimenez.
