ATLANTA BRAVES’ BULLPEN STRENGTHENED WITH RAISEL IGLESIAS, ROBERT SUAREZ, AND THE POTENTIAL OF DAYSBEL HERNANDEZ

The Atlanta Braves bullpen is shaping up to be one of the best in baseball following a busy offseason that included key moves to reinforce the relief corps. The re-signing of closer Raisel Iglesias and the three-year, $45 million deal for Robert Suarez were crucial steps in solidifying the back end of the Braves’ bullpen. With these proven arms in place, the team has not only ensured stability but also positioned itself to withstand the demanding nature of a long season.

Yet, there is another intriguing arm that could elevate the Braves bullpen even further in 2026—Daysbel Hernandez.

HERNANDEZ’S UPS AND DOWNS IN 2025

Hernandez came into the 2025 season with high expectations following a promising 2024, where many anticipated that the right-handed reliever would experience a breakout year. However, consistency was an issue in 2025, and Hernandez’s season was marred by struggles with his command. Despite showing flashes of potential, his 3.41 ERA and 33 strikeouts over 39 appearances highlighted both his talent and the challenges he faced.

One of the key concerns for Hernandez was his dramatic increase in walks. He walked 18.3% of the batters he faced in 2025, a stark contrast to his 5.9% walk rate in 2024. This sharp decline in control underscored the difficulty of translating his raw stuff into consistent results—a common hurdle for pitchers with electric stuff who struggle to command their pitches.

Despite these issues, there’s still much to be optimistic about with Hernandez’s upside. His electric stuff and ability to get strikeouts give him the potential to be a high-leverage arm in the Braves’ bullpen.

HERNANDEZ’S TOOLS AND UPSIDE

Hernandez’s arsenal is built around two key pitches: his four-seam fastball, which averages an impressive 97.7 mph, and his slider, which comes in at 89 mph. Few pitchers in the league can consistently hit these velocities while also possessing a sharp secondary pitch like Hernandez’s slider. This combination of power and precision makes him a potential weapon in late-inning situations.

If Hernandez can regain control of his pitches, he has the makings of a high-leverage reliever, capable of making an immediate impact. This is something the Braves are well aware of—his upside could turn him into a key piece of their bullpen, alongside Iglesias and Suarez.

THE ROLE OF JEREMY HEFNER IN HERNANDEZ’S DEVELOPMENT

The Braves are optimistic that new pitching coach Jeremy Hefner will play a significant role in helping Hernandez refine his approach. Hefner has a reputation for helping pitchers simplify their mechanics and better understand how to deploy their strengths. If Hernandez can improve his command under Hefner’s guidance, he could be on the verge of a major breakthrough.

Hernandez’s electric fastball and slider give him the tools to be a dominant reliever, and Hefner’s coaching could be the key to unlocking his potential. The goal for Hernandez and the Braves is to harness his natural talent and develop a more consistent approach on the mound.

THE OPPORTUNITY IN 2026

Hernandez, who is still just 29 years old, has plenty of room to grow. He debuted for the Braves in 2023 and still has relatively limited experience at the major league level. However, with Iglesias and Suarez anchoring the bullpen, Hernandez doesn’t need to carry the load alone. Instead, he has the chance to develop into a trusted weapon for manager Walt Weiss, allowing the Braves to use him strategically in late-game situations.

The hope is that by 2026, Hernandez will have refined his control and become a key complementary piece to the dominant Iglesias-Suarez tandem. This would not only bolster the Braves’ bullpen but could also make it one of the deepest in the league, providing Weiss with multiple options in high-pressure moments.

CONCLUSION: A BREAKOUT IN THE MAKING

The Braves bullpen, with the addition of Iglesias and Suarez, already has the makings of one of the league’s best. However, if Daysbel Hernandez can bounce back and harness his elite stuff under the tutelage of Jeremy Hefner, he has the potential to become a breakout star in 2026. Hernandez’s combination of power, pitch selection, and youth makes him an exciting player to watch, and if he can take the next step, the Braves’ bullpen could be the backbone of their success in 2026 and beyond.

As the Atlanta Braves look to contend for another championship, Daysbel Hernandez could emerge as a crucial piece of their bullpen puzzle, helping to solidify their dominance in the National League.