The Atlanta Braves are facing a significant challenge in their bullpen as right-hander Joe Jiménez is sidelined due to surgery and lefty A.J. Minter is reportedly heading to the New York Mets. Despite signing several pitchers to minor league contracts this offseason, the Braves have yet to make a significant addition to their bullpen. With the offseason clock ticking, they are exploring affordable relief pitcher options for potential Major League contracts.

Colin Poche, a left-handed pitcher formerly with the Tampa Bay Rays, is on the market after posting a 3.86 ERA in 43 appearances in 2024, although he had previously achieved a 2.23 ERA when healthy. Lucas Sims, once a Brave, had a mixed year with the Cincinnati Reds and Boston Red Sox, finishing with a 3.57 ERA but showing promise in September after recovering from injury.

Other candidates include Matt Moore, who had a successful stint before regressing in 2024, and Kyle Finnegan, a 2024 All-Star with the Nationals. The Braves are looking for low-risk, high-reward signings to bolster their bullpen as the new season approaches.

The Atlanta Braves are actively pursuing free-agent reliever Carlos Estévez, who recently had a standout season with the Los Angeles Angels and Philadelphia Phillies. Estévez, 32, recorded a 2.45 ERA and 50 strikeouts over 54 appearances, making him an attractive option for the Braves as they look to bolster their bullpen.

With Joe Jimenez recovering from knee surgery, Estévez could serve as a valuable right-handed option. His previous season's salary was $6.75 million, and estimates suggest his market value could reach $14 million annually over three years. This potential acquisition would also provide the Braves with a contingency plan for closer Raisel Iglesias, who will be a free agent after the next season.

The Atlanta Braves have made two selections in the Rule 5 Draft, acquiring right-hander Anderson Pilar from the Miami Marlins and infielder Christian Cairo from the Cleveland Guardians.

Pilar, 26, had an impressive 2.64 ERA in 37 appearances across various minor-league levels, while 23-year-old Cairo posted a .241 batting average with 39 RBIs in 108 games last season.

Both players will join the Braves' 40-man roster and compete for positions in spring training as the team aims to bolster its bullpen and infield depth for the upcoming season.

The Atlanta Braves are eager to re-sign reliever AJ Minter, who is attracting interest from the Chicago Cubs and Texas Rangers as he enters free agency. Minter has been a dependable asset for the Braves, boasting a 2.62 ERA in 39 appearances during 2024, despite battling injuries.

With Joe Jimenez recovering from knee surgery, retaining Minter would be crucial for the Braves. Both the Cubs and Rangers also seek to bolster their bullpens, with the Rangers needing significant improvement after a 4.41 ERA last season.

The Atlanta Braves are facing challenges as they prepare for the 2025 season, likely missing outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. and ace pitcher Spencer Strider at the start. General manager Alex Anthopoulos indicated that while their absence may not be prolonged, they won't be ready for Opening Day.

Acuña, recovering from an ACL tear, had a tough 2024 season, while Strider underwent elbow surgery after limited appearances. Additionally, reliever Joe Jiménez may miss the entire season due to knee surgery.