Get ready, the Atlanta Braves relief corps will look very different in 2025. A.J. Minter and Jesse Chavez are gone, Joe Jiménez is injured, and suddenly, the bullpen that had been a strength in recent years is now full of question marks.
A Bullpen in Transition
Raisel Iglesias is still locked in as the closer, while Aaron Bummer and Pierce Johnson will take on bigger roles.
But beyond that? It’s anyone’s guess how this bullpen shakes out. Ideally, the Braves would have already added another proven arm to solidify the late innings.
They certainly tried with Jeff Hoffman, but after some concerns surfaced in his physical, that deal collapsed, and he ended up signing with the Blue Jays.
There’s still time to make a move, but spring training is right around the corner, and the clock is ticking.
Braves Taking the Quantity Approach
Instead of making one big splash, the Braves have opted for depth through volume.
They’ve made a handful of smaller moves, hoping that by creating competition in camp, they’ll find a few bullpen pieces who can step up.
The latest addition is right-hander Dany Jiménez, who just signed a minor league deal.
At first glance, this move barely made a ripple. Jiménez doesn’t fit the typical Braves reliever mold.
His fastball isn’t overpowering, and his control issues over the past two seasons led the Athletics to non-tender him this offseason.
However, despite his flaws, Jiménez does have some intriguing qualities that could make him a useful bullpen option.
Can Jiménez Find His Command?
Jiménez may not have elite swing-and-miss stuff, but he excels at limiting hard contact. His slider, in particular, is a nasty weapon that has been extremely difficult for hitters to square up.
The real issue is his fastball—if the Braves can help him refine it, he could carve out a solid role in middle relief, especially against right-handed hitters.
The good news? This is a no-risk signing. Since it’s only a minor-league deal, the Braves aren’t locked into anything.
Jiménez will have to show he can consistently throw strikes in spring training to earn a roster spot. If he can’t, Atlanta can simply move on to another option.
The Braves are taking calculated chances, hoping to find a hidden gem. Jiménez may or may not pan out, but he’s another addition worth giving a chance with a bullpen full of uncertainties.