2022 Additions
The Atlanta Braves General Manager Alex Anthopoulos has had one heck of an offseason, albeit an extremely abbreviated one.
Before we dive into the comings & goings of Braves players since Game 6 of the 2021 World Series, here are all the free agent signings of this offseason (MLB contracts only):
-Manny Piña, Catcher
-Kirby Yates, Relief Pitcher
-Collin McHugh, Relief Pitcher
-Tyler Thornburg, Relief Pitcher
-Eddie Rosario, Outfield
-Alex Dickerson, Outfield
-Kenley Jansen, Relief Pitcher
Now, the trade acquisitions:
-Jay Jackson, Relief Pitcher
-Matt Olson, First Base (pictured above)
Biggest Potential Impacts, Ranked
Right off the bat (pun intended), Matt Olson is going to have the biggest impact on the 2022 version of the Atlanta Braves. Furthermore, he’s signed to an 8-year contract (9 years with team option). He’s not here to be Freddie Freeman’s replacement, he’s here to be a cornerstone of this franchise for the remainder of the 2020’s.
Eddie Rosario tested free agency this offseason but ultimately landed back with the Braves on a 2-year/$18,000,000 contract with a club option for a third year worth $9,000,000. One of the “Deadline Four”, Super Rosario was the last of the midseason additions to make his Braves debut as he was nursing an injury at the time of his acquisition. No matter, he warmed up quickly & took over the back half of the Dodgers series to earn NLCS MVP Honors. Rosario turns an outfield depleted by the exits of Joc & Soler, Acuña’s injury, Waters’ inability to progress, Pache’s exit in the Olson trade, & Ozuna’s inability to play defense; into a strength for the Braves.
During last year’s regular season (Pre-Night Shift), the bullpen wasn’t necessarily noteworthy for Atlanta. Before turning the corner after the All-Star break the bullpen was rundown, tired, & overworked due to the rotation’s undermanning. The addition of Collin McHugh eliminates that problem for Brian Snitker. Collin has the potential to be one of this year’s brightest stars. A reliever that’ll probably get most of his work in in the front half of the bullpen, he has Night Shift nastiness. The even-keeled Georgia native isn’t being talked about a lot in Braves Country, that’ll change in 2022.
Pictured: a young Kenley Jansen who grew up a Braves fan in Willemstad, Curaçao.
The latest in Atlanta’s storied history with Curaçao ball players, Kenley Jansen takes baseball’s best bullpen up even another notch. The Chicago White Sox are nipping at the heels of Atlanta in Arm Barn firepower, but they can’t compete with the Braves’ depth. Not only is Atlanta’s bullpen deep, it’s “depth pieces” are bullpen stars on any other MLB ball club. Kenley has been one of baseball’s best closers since his debut. He has to be to move Will Smith into the 8th inning after last year’s postseason dominance.
Somewhat forgotten from this offseason, Manny Piña is one half of possibly the best catching tandem in the National League. His impact won’t be limited to his on-field 2022 production, but also in giving Atlanta more time to develop it’s next franchise catcher, William Contreras, in the minors without rushing him back up. d’Arnaud rest days won’t see too much of a dropoff in offense, and it definitely won’t be a downgrade in defense when Manny’s behind the plate.
Kirby Yates is ranked this low only because of the uncertainty of his debut. The ERA leader since 2018 is set to make his first Braves appearance after the All-Star break. His impact once he returns is massive, but his timetable doesn’t warrant a ranking higher than this for 2022.
Making less than $1,000,000 on his 1-year deal, Tyler Thornburg is in full on prove-it status. Having previously played for the Red Sox, Brewers, & Reds, the 33-year old is a prototypical Alex Anthopoulos 1-year buy low guy. If he can stay healthy, something he hasn’t done since 2017, he’s a prime candidate for Josh Tomlin’s former bullpen role. But he has a slew of young guys to compete with for that.
Alex Dickerson, I presume, will see the bulk of his action early this season prior to Acuña’s return. He’s on a non-guaranteed contract right now, & will be competing for a bench bat role.
Ceiling: pinch hitter.
Floor: cut or MiLB.
I’ve got Jay Jackson down here at the bottom because I’ll admit, the only two things I know about him are he’s a reliever & he was Seiya Suzuki’s teammate overseas. He was signed by the Braves before the lockout when the Seiya Suzuki sweepstakes were in full swing (this pun also intended). I don’t see a role for him because I don’t really know what he’s good at. But Alex Anthopoulos has a history of turning bargains into big moment guys.