MLB Rumors: It is anticipated that the Atlanta Braves would sign a former All-Star and World Series champion to a $11.5 million deal.
Some might believe that the Atlanta Braves' bullpen was lights-out in 2024 because they have a top-tier closer.
Although Raisel Iglesias had several periods of extraordinary dominance, such was regrettably not the case. According to Fangraphs, the Braves' relievers had a clutch rating of 0.86 in 2024, ranking them 14th out of all MLB teams.
Additionally, Joe Jimenez, Iglesias' main setup man from the previous campaign, may be sidelined for the entire campaign following knee surgery at the end of October. Therefore, if the Braves didn't already appear to be in need of relief pitching assistance, they very certainly do now.
Atlanta has yet to sign a major-league reliever, but that could change in the future. In fact, according to a recent free-agent forecast, they will sign the top reliever available.
Ryan Finkelstein of Just Baseball made a prediction on Friday that the Braves would sign 16-year veteran David Robertson, who has an All-Star Game and a World Series championship on his record from his time with the New York Yankees.
"Robertson could really fit any team who needs some relief help but is likely looking to latch on with a contender," Finkelstein stated. "The Braves fit that billing, it’s just a matter of whether they are willing to spend for a reliever of Roberton’s caliber."
Robertson had the most strikeouts of any reliever still available in free agency this past season, recording 99 in 72 innings thrown to an outstanding 3.00 ERA and 2.65 FIP. Even though he is about to enter his age-40 season, he is not slowing down in the slightest.
Just by having Robertson maintain the save for Iglesias, the Braves might easily win a few more one-run games in 2025. Additionally, a few more victories may mean the difference between a division victory and a first-round departure in the very contested NL East.
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