The Atlanta Braves seem to operate with an unrelenting determination, even as the holidays approach, fine-tuning their roster for 2025.
While much of the offseason buzz has revolved around their needs in the outfield, starting rotation, and shortstop, the bullpen quietly remains a pressing concern.
With AJ Minter’s free agency status uncertain due to health issues, Jesse Chavez possibly exiting for good, and Joe Jimenez sidelined for most, if not all, of 2025, Atlanta faces a significant void in late-inning depth.
A Bullpen in Flux: Key Departures and Gaps to Fill
The Braves recently signed Enyel De Los Santos to a minor league deal to address this. The team has been scouring the market for affordable bullpen options.
While this may not spark headlines, it’s a calculated move that reflects their strategy of targeting low-risk, high-reward players.
Who Is Enyel De Los Santos? A Career in Review
De Los Santos might sound familiar from his early years with the Philadelphia Phillies for Braves fans with sharp memories. Since then, he’s been winding through MLB, including stints with the Padres, White Sox, and Yankees in 2024. His performance has been a mixed bag, highlighted by flashes of potential and hampered by bouts of inconsistency.
Notably, his time with the Guardians in 2022 showed what he’s capable of when everything clicks. That season, he delivered strong results with a combination of solid velocity (mid-90s fastball) and the ability to generate swings and misses.
However, replicating that success has been a challenge. Walks remain a persistent issue, and his ability to limit hard contact has fluctuated wildly from year to year. De Los Santos can induce ground balls and avoid barrels at his best. At his worst, he’s vulnerable to being squared up by opposing hitters, as seen in his struggles with New York in 2024.
Another Braves Low-Risk Move with High Potential Rewards
Still, the upside is hard to ignore. A minor league deal means Atlanta can walk away with minimal consequences if things go south. On the other hand, he has the potential to emerge as a valuable bullpen piece if De Los Santos can regain some of his 2022 form.
He would fit well in a middle-relief or situational role. This is the kind of gamble that could pay off in spades for a team looking to patch innings without breaking the bank.
As the Braves continue their offseason moves, the De Los Santos signing is a subtle reminder that championships aren’t just built on splashy acquisitions but also won by uncovering hidden gems.
Whether he becomes a key contributor or adds depth to the system, Atlanta is leaving no stone unturned in pursuing another successful campaign.
