The pecking order for the 2025 Atlanta Braves bullpen isn’t quite as clear as it was going into last season. On top of that, Atlanta has lost some real talent at the backend of the bullpen. Minter left in free agency and early on in the offseason we got the disappointing news of Joe Jimenez’s knee surgery.
Fans were hopeful for a monster addition via the big lefty Tanner Scott. Unfortunately, he is one of many superstars who will be wearing Dodger blue in 2025. So where do the Braves turn from here.
Many still view the bullpen as a pressing need for Atlanta this offseason, and because of the sheer quantity of free agent bullpen arms each winter, plenty of Major League worthy relievers remain on the market. However, do the Braves roll the dice and spend money on one of the free agent relievers or should they instead look internally for someone who can get late-inning outs.
Daysbel Hernandez could play a big part in Atlanta’s bullpen in 2025
The name we’ve heard so much of from both fans and the front office is enigmatic reliever Daysbel Hernandez. The hard-throwing RHP spent most of the 2024 season with Triple-A Gwinnett. During his time with the Stripers he threw 41.2 innings with 52 strikeouts and a 2.59 ERA. Sadly, Hernandez accompanied those impressive numbers with 25 walks.
The story was much of the same at the Major League level for Hernandez as he earned a 2.50 ERA with 26 K and 10 walks in 18 innings. The inconsistent command, minor league options, and quality of depth already in Atlanta kept Hernandez from entrenching himself in the Braves’ bullpen.
However, the loss of Minter and Jimenez creates a huge void at the backend of Atlanta’s bullpen. Established guys like Aaron Bummer, Dylan Lee, and Pierce Johnson will get their chance to fill that void first. Meanwhile, Hernandez and other spring roster invites will have the opportunity to make the Opening Day roster.
The leg up Hernandez has over the several guys the Braves have brought in on minor league contracts is his electric stuff. His average four-seam velocity 97.4 mph, and he paired that with a slider that carried a 42.4 whiff percentage.
— Jon Anderson (@JonPgh) January 21, 2025
The Braves could desperately use that electric stuff especially from the right-hand side. And with little offseason remaining the ability to add talent to the current list of bullpen names continues to dwindle. It’s why Hernandez should get more of a real shot in 2025 despite the career long control issues.
Whether or not this philosophy proves to be right is to be determined. However, one thing we know about Alex Anthopoulos is that he won’t standby if the bullpen begins to show signs of vulnerability. Should the fringe bullpen arms fail to establish themselves in 2025, expect a busy trade deadline for Alex Anthopoulos.
