Atlanta Braves Add Reynaldo López to Bolster Bullpen

The Atlanta Braves have made a significant addition to their bullpen by signing right-hander Reynaldo López to a three-year contract worth $30 million. This move comes as the Braves continue their search for starting pitching, with a clear focus on strengthening their roster for postseason success. López, who pitched for three teams in 2023, brings a solid track record and impressive stats to the Braves’ bullpen.

López’s contract with the Braves includes a salary of $4 million in 2024 and $11 million in the following two seasons. The deal also features an $8 million club option for 2027, with a $4 million buyout. Throughout the 2023 season, López showcased his skills by producing a 3-7 record, a 3.27 ERA, and six saves in 68 appearances. Notably, he recorded 83 strikeouts in 66 innings, averaging an impressive 11.3 strikeouts per nine innings. This success can be attributed to his powerful fastball, which averaged 98.2 mph.

The Atlanta Braves, despite their MLB-leading 104 wins in the past season, have faced postseason disappointments. In an effort to address these shortcomings, the team has been actively retooling its roster. Alongside the acquisition of López, the Braves have also re-signed relievers Joe Jimenez and Pierce Johnson to multiyear deals. They have also strengthened their bullpen by trading for left-handed reliever Aaron Bummer and dealing former 21-game winner Kyle Wright.

While Wright will miss the entire 2024 season due to a shoulder injury, the Braves secured Jackson Kowar, a former first-round draft pick, through the trade. Furthermore, the team traded reliever Nick Anderson for $100,000 in a separate deal with the Kansas City Royals. These moves have significantly enhanced the depth of the Braves’ bullpen, which already includes standout players such as closer Raisel Iglesias and lefties A.J. Minter, Dylan Lee, and Tyler Matzek. Other bullpen candidates, including Daysbel Hernandez and Huascar Ynoa, further solidify the team’s relief options.

Although the Braves have focused predominantly on augmenting their bullpen, some speculation arises around López’s potential return to the starting rotation. López previously held the role of a starter with the Chicago White Sox from 2017 to 2020, posting a 4.76 ERA and a 21-31 record over 81 starts. However, in the past two seasons, López has exclusively served as a reliever, achieving greater success in this role.

López himself expressed openness to both options, stating that he was willing to fulfill the role of a starter or a reliever based on the team’s needs. With this versatile mindset, López’s addition to the Braves’ roster brings flexibility and valuable pitching options for the team.

While the Braves are actively pursuing starting pitching options, their current rotation is led by All-Star Spencer Strider, who recorded an impressive 20-5 record, a 3.86 ERA, and a franchise-record 281 strikeouts in the previous season. Another key starter is Max Fried, who is set to enter his final season before becoming eligible for free agency.

Additional candidates for the starting rotation include Bryce Elder, who struggled towards the end of the season despite being selected for the All-Star Game, and 21-year-old top prospect AJ Smith-Shawver. The team could also consider Darius Vines, Allan Winans, Dylan Dodd, and 2023 first-round pick Hurston Waldrep as potential rotation options.

General manager Alex Anthopoulos has been proactive in reshaping the Braves’ roster, clearing payroll space by making a series of moves in recent weeks. This strategy is aimed at creating financial flexibility to target high-quality starting pitchers. The Braves declined a $9 million option for outfielder Eddie Rosario and let go of relievers Kirby Yates, Brad Hand, and Collin McHugh.

In addition to these moves, the Braves chose not to tender a contract to reliever Michael Tonkin and traded away arbitration-eligible players, including former ace Michael Soroka, infielder Nicky Lopez, and Nick Anderson. Although one potential starting pitching target, Aaron Nola, recently signed a long-term deal with the Philadelphia Phillies, the Braves are still thought to have an interest in acquiring Sonny Gray to strengthen their rotation.

With the signing of Reynaldo López, the Atlanta Braves have bolstered their bullpen, adding an experienced right-hander who brings a valuable skill set to the team. López’s versatility as both a starter and reliever provides the Braves with further options for their pitching rotation. As they continue their search for starting pitching, the Braves are determined to build a roster capable of surpassing previous postseason setbacks and achieving greater success in the years to come.

MLB

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