With A.J. Minter, Jesse Chavez, and Luke Jackson all set to hit free agency, the Atlanta Braves were always going to be looking for bullpen help this offseason. However, before this week, they didn’t necessarily need to break the bank for a top-tier closer, as the bullpen already featured solid options like Joe Jimenez, Pierce Johnson, Aaron Bummer, and Raisel Iglesias.
That changed, though, when it was revealed that Jimenez will miss 8-12 months following surgery to remove cartilage from his knee, and there’s a chance he might not pitch at all next season. This leaves the Braves with some significant gaps to fill in their bullpen.
Atlanta could address these needs through free agency, where plenty of options are available. However, as we’ve seen in previous years, general manager Alex Anthopoulos typically prefers making trades over engaging in bidding wars for free agents. Two high-profile relievers could be on the move this offseason and are worth keeping an eye on.
**Devin Williams**
Devin Williams, considered the best reliever in baseball over the past five seasons, is entering the final year of his contract with the Milwaukee Brewers, and many expect him to be traded this offseason. Since 2020, Williams has posted a remarkable 1.70 ERA with 14.6 strikeouts per nine innings across 222 innings.
His dominant performance would come at a high price in terms of prospects, but with Williams on a one-year deal, the Braves might find him more attainable. A week ago, it seemed unlikely that Atlanta would pursue Williams, but with the bullpen now in need of major reinforcements, acquiring him could be a smart, immediate solution to fill multiple holes.
**Ryan Helsley**
Ryan Helsley, another closer entering the final year of his contract, is also likely to be moved by the St. Louis Cardinals, who are expected to be on the outside looking in at playoff contention.
While not quite as dominant as Williams, Helsley has been excellent over the past three seasons, with a 1.83 ERA and 12.1 strikeouts per nine innings. He’s certainly a high-impact reliever and would provide the Braves with another elite option at the back end of the bullpen.
While there aren’t many game-changing relievers available on the trade market, both Williams and Helsley are at the top of that list. Either one would instantly elevate the Braves’ bullpen heading into next season, potentially making them one of the league’s best.
With Minter’s future uncertain and Jimenez possibly out for all of 2024, expect Anthopoulos to prioritize adding to the bullpen again this offseason, as he has in recent years, to ensure the Braves remain a top contender.
