The Atlanta Braves have brought in veteran right-hander Buck Farmer on a minor league deal, and yes, he’s got a ticket to big league camp this spring.
Nati Sports broke the news, and Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution confirmed the details.
A Full-Circle Moment for Buck Farmer
This signing isn’t just another spring training depth move—it’s a homecoming for Farmer. Born in Conyers, Georgia, and a former Georgia Tech standout, he’s heading back to where it all started.
Funny enough, the Braves actually drafted him way back in 2009 (46th round), but Farmer opted for college ball instead.
Fast forward to 2013, and the Detroit Tigers officially launched his pro career as a fifth-round selection.
Last season, Farmer quietly put together his best statistical season in 11 years in the majors. Over 71 innings with the Reds, he posted a 3.04 ERA. He’s proving himself as a reliable bullpen workhorse for the second year in a row.
Now, if you look under the hood, the peripherals weren’t as dazzling—his 3.94 SIERA suggests he had some luck on his side, and a 9.7% walk rate isn’t exactly ideal.
But here’s what he did do well: he kept hitters from making loud contact and held his own with a 23.4% strikeout rate, right around league average.
A Dependable Arm with Big League Experience
Zooming out since 2018, Farmer has been a solid bullpen piece. Across 386 2/3 innings between Detroit and Cincinnati, he’s put up a 4.03 ERA, with a 23.5% strikeout rate and a 9.8% walk rate.
That rough 2021 season in Detroit skews the numbers a bit, but overall, he’s been a durable, dependable arm—exactly the kind of guy you want as insurance in the bullpen.
A Crowded Bullpen Battle For the Braves
Now, here’s where things get interesting. Farmer isn’t just walking into a guaranteed role.
Atlanta’s bullpen is crowded with competition, especially after losing some key arms in free agency and Joe Jiménez likely out for the season with a knee injury.
He’s up against a mix of veteran relievers and younger arms trying to make their mark, including Jake Diekman, Chasen Shreve, Dylan Covey, Wander Suero, Jordan Weems, Enyel De Los Santos, and Enoli Paredes.
All of those guys are in camp on minor-league deals. When Atlanta adds in some internal candidates, a serious battle is brewing.
Bottom line? Farmer has experience, a solid track record, and a hometown connection, but nothing is guaranteed.
If he can replicate last season’s success, he’s got a real shot to crack Atlanta’s bullpen. But with this much competition, it will be a fight worth watching.
