Atlanta Braves are expected to add two free agents following a significant boost from the Philadelphia Phillies……

Atlanta Braves are expected to add two free agents following a significant boost from the Philadelphia Phillies.

Title: Evaluating Missed Opportunities: Pierce Johnson and Joe Jimenez and the Braves’ Free Agent Choices

As the MLB offseason unfolded, the Atlanta Braves, like every team, scoured the free-agent market for potential additions to bolster their roster. While they made significant moves to address certain needs, there are always players who slip through the cracks. Two such players in the 2023-2024 offseason were Pierce Johnson and Joe Jimenez. Let’s delve into their profiles and assess how they could have impacted the Braves.

**Pierce Johnson:**

Pierce Johnson, a right-handed reliever, emerged as a coveted asset after a stellar season with the San Diego Padres in 2023. His ability to miss bats consistently and maintain a low ERA made him an attractive target for many teams seeking bullpen help. The Braves, who had already made some moves to fortify their relief corps, might have overlooked Johnson’s potential impact.

In 2023, Johnson posted a 2.82 ERA with 89 strikeouts in 67 innings pitched. His repertoire includes a mid-90s fastball complemented by a sharp slider, making him effective against both right and left-handed hitters. His performance metrics, such as WHIP and FIP, suggested that his success was sustainable and not merely a fluke.

The Braves, despite having a strong bullpen, could have benefitted from Johnson’s presence, especially considering the unpredictability of relief pitching. Adding another reliable arm like Johnson could have provided depth and insurance against injuries or underperformance from other relievers. Moreover, Johnson’s playoff experience with the Padres could have been valuable in high-pressure situations, such as postseason games.

**Joe Jimenez:**

Another intriguing option the Braves might have missed out on is Joe Jimenez, formerly with the Detroit Tigers. Jimenez, a hard-throwing right-handed reliever, showcased his potential in the past, though inconsistency plagued his performances at times. However, his upside and relatively young age made him an enticing target for teams willing to take a chance on his talent.

In 2023, Jimenez struggled with a 4.62 ERA in 60 appearances for the Tigers. Despite this, his underlying metrics indicated room for optimism. His strikeout rate remained solid, suggesting that his stuff was still effective, while his walk rate was the primary culprit behind his inflated ERA. With the right adjustments and coaching, Jimenez had the potential to regain his form and become a valuable asset out of the bullpen.

For the Braves, Jimenez could have represented a low-risk, high-reward signing. Acquiring him on a short-term deal with performance incentives could have incentivized him to rediscover his past success while providing the team with bullpen depth at a relatively low cost. Additionally, the Braves’ pitching coaches and analytics department could have worked with Jimenez to refine his command and maximize his potential.

**Evaluation:**

While the Braves made several notable moves during the offseason to address various needs, the potential signings of Pierce Johnson and Joe Jimenez could have further strengthened their bullpen and provided additional options for manager Brian Snitker. Both Johnson and Jimenez offer different skill sets and risk-reward profiles, but their presence could have diversified and deepened the Braves’ relief corps.

Of course, hindsight is always 20/20, and evaluating offseason signings is inherently speculative. The Braves’ front office likely had reasons for prioritizing other areas of the roster or pursuing different players. Additionally, the financial considerations and market dynamics at the time may have influenced their decision-making process.

Ultimately, while Pierce Johnson and Joe Jimenez may have been missed opportunities for the Braves, the offseason is just one part of the team-building process. The true measure of success lies in how well the team performs on the field throughout the long and arduous baseball season. As the season progresses, it will be intriguing to see how the Braves’ bullpen fares and whether the decisions made in the offseason prove to be fruitful or not.