The Atlanta Braves bullpen has become one of the biggest question marks in a season already full of them. And with the trade deadline looming, there’s a new name rising to the top of the wishlist: Félix Bautista.
According to The Athletic’s David O’Brien, the Braves are projected to pursue a significant back-end bullpen upgrade — and Bautista, the Baltimore Orioles’ fireballing closer, could be the centerpiece of that plan. It’s an ambitious target that makes both practical and strategic sense for Atlanta if they want to salvage 2025 and build something sustainable for 2026 and beyond.
Why Bautista Fits For Atlanta
Two reasons Bautista makes perfect sense in a Braves uniform are immediate firepower and long-term control. The 29-year-old is back from Tommy John surgery and already delivering results. He’s 12-for-13 in save opportunities with a 3.22 ERA — not quite as dominant as his 2023 form, but undeniably effective, especially for a pitcher returning from major surgery. That alone would make him a desirable piece for a team with a volatile bullpen.
But here’s the real kicker: Bautista is under team control through 2027. That kind of long-term value is rare — and valuable. With Raisel Iglesias set to become a free agent after 2025, the Braves could slot Bautista in as the closer of the present and the future. It would be a signal that they’re not just looking for a Band-Aid — they’re looking to build something, even in a season that has veered off course.
What’s Wrong with the Braves Bullpen?
The Braves’ bullpen has been in a state of flux for weeks. Iglesias, once the anchor, hasn’t pitched a ninth inning since that June 5 meltdown against the Diamondbacks. His lone appearance since came in a low-leverage eighth inning during a 7–1 win in Milwaukee.
Pierce Johnson? He’s been given chances in crunch time — and has delivered one walk-off homer and one walk-off wild pitch. Not ideal. Dylan Lee has stepped up recently with more poise in the late innings, but relying on Lee alone isn’t a sustainable model. The Braves need a high-leverage hammer. Right now, they simply don’t have one they trust.
Can Atlanta Pull This Off?
The price is where things get tricky. Other contenders — like the Phillies, Mariners, Diamondbacks, and Brewers — not only need bullpen help but also boast deeper prospect pools. If this becomes a bidding war, Atlanta may have to get creative or overpay in ways they’ve historically avoided.
But if they want to land Bautista, it’ll take more than a mid-tier package. The Orioles know exactly what they have, and they’re not in a rush to give it away — especially considering Bautista’s club control.
A Message to the Braves Fanbase
Still, even floating Bautista as a target sends a clear message: the Braves aren’t punting on 2025 just yet.
A move for someone like Bautista would signal belief — in the roster, direction, and culture. It would be bold. It would be aggressive. And it would speak to a front office that’s not content letting a lost month spiral into a lost season. There’s a lot to clean up in Atlanta, but this is a move that would instantly stabilize the bullpen and lay a foundation for years to come.
If the Braves make a push for Félix Bautista, they’re not just patching holes. They’re building something stronger — and reminding everyone they still expect to matter in October.
