Atlanta Braves make bold moves with pitching staff, embracing left-handed options this offseason
In a decisive early offseason flurry, the Atlanta Braves have embarked on a significant overhaul of their pitching staff. The decisions made during this transformative period will undoubtedly shape not just the team’s composition but also its competitive outlook as the new season approaches.
A Shift Toward Lefties
One noticeable trend in the Braves’ strategy is a concerted effort to diversify their pitching options, with an apparent emphasis on bringing in more left-handed pitchers. Last season, only eight out of the 46 pitchers utilized by the Braves were left-handed, accounting for 17.4% of their pitching arsenal. While this percentage exceeds the approximate 10% lefty representation in the general population, the need for a more varied pitching lineup—capable of throwing hitters off balance—has become increasingly apparent.
The value of left-handed pitchers in Major League Baseball is well-documented, and the Braves are making strides to bolster this aspect of their roster. By retaining key lefties and acquiring new talent, they aim to enhance their strategic flexibility.
Key Additions and Retentions
Among the notable figures in this offseason’s transactions is Raisel Iglesias, a right-handed closer whose dominance on the mound made his retention a no-brainer for the organization. Despite the righty-lefty dynamics, keeping Iglesias was essential for the Braves’ bullpen stability.
Conversely, the team bid farewell to Austin Cox, a left-handed pitcher whose performance did not meet expectations. The Braves’ decisions reflect a broader trend rather than a strict adherence to handedness, as they evaluate the effectiveness and potential of their pitchers.
Here’s a breakdown of the pitching personnel changes so far:
Acquisitions and Retentions*
Raisel Iglesias (re-signed), righty
Elieser Hernández (signed to minor league deal), righty
Chris Sale (option exercised), righty
Ryan Rolison (trade), lefty
Josh Walker (waiver claim), lefty
Jose Suarez (tendered), lefty
Connor Thomas (signed to minor league deal), lefty
Dylan Lee (tendered), lefty
Joey Wentz (tendered), lefty
Departures*
Pierce Johnson (option declined), righty
Tyler Kinley (option declined), righty
Carson Ragsdale (non-tendered), righty
Alek Manoah (non-tendered), righty
Nathan Wiles (released), righty
Austin Cox (outrighted, elected free agency), lefty
Balancing the Roster
While handedness is a factor, it is not the sole criterion guiding the Braves’ decisions. Each case presents its own rationale for retention or release. However, the overarching trend points to a strategic pivot towards incorporating more left-handed options, reflecting a desire for balance in the pitching staff.
The Braves face an interesting conundrum as they navigate their offseason strategy. While the addition of left-handed pitchers is a clear focus, it likely won’t dictate their pursuit of specific players. For instance, if a pitcher like Dylan Cease becomes available, the Braves will weigh his right-handed status against his potential impact on the team. Ultimately, securing an effective lefty would be advantageous, reminiscent of the days when Chris Sale and Max Fried anchored the rotation.
Prospects and Future Directions
The current landscape of the Braves’ pitching prospects also skews toward right-handed talent. Notable names include JR Ritchie and Didier Fuentes, alongside Lucas Braun and Blake Burkhalter. Among the lefties, Cam Caminiti is further down in the system, spotlighting a pressing need to balance the ranks.
With Wentz and Suarez providing potential left-handed options for both the rotation and the bullpen, the Braves are taking steps to ensure they have a robust pitching staff. While the offseason moves have sparked some curiosity and debate among fans, the focus on expanding options is crucial. The more choices available, the better the chances of finding a combination that thrives on the mound.
