Just days into the 2024 MLB offseason, the Atlanta Braves lost one of their best relievers.
Reliever Joe Jimenez underwent surgery to repair cartilage in his left knee on Oct. 29 and will need eight to 12 months to recover. reports David O’Brien of The Athletic.
#Braves with another big injury setback even in the offseason: Prep Joe Jiménez underwent surgery to repair cartilage damage in his left knee on Oct. 29 and will miss 8 to 12 months, meaning at least a large part of the 2025 season.
– David O’Brien (@DOBrienATL) November 5, 2024
Jimenez, 30, was one of the Braves’ best relievers last season, compiling a 2.62 ERA with 82 strikeouts in 68 2/3 innings. He was also the team’s substitute when Raisel Iglesias (1.95 ERA, 68 strikeouts in 69 1/3 innings) was unavailable and saved seven games.
Atlanta acquired Jimenez from the Detroit Tigers in December 2022 and subsequently signed him for a three-year, $26 million extension after posting a 3.04 ERA with 73 strikeouts in 56 1/3 innings in 2023. He has $18 million left over the final two years of that deal, but he might not even be available to pitch anymore in 2025.
Jimenez’s injury creates a need for a reliever in the offseason, which could explain why Atlanta traded Jorge Soler and the $26 million remaining on his contract with the Los Angeles Angels last week. The Braves also declined the $8 million option for the catcher. Travis d’Arnaud Monday.
With Pierce Johnson (3.67 ERA, 67 strikeouts in 56 1/3 innings) As the bullpen’s other top right-hander behind Iglesias, the Braves could turn to Dylan Lee (2.11, 76 Ks, 59 2/3 rounds), Grant Holmes (3.56, 70 Ks, 68 1/3 rounds) and Daysbel Hernández (2.50, 26 Ks, 18 innings) as internal options to take Jimenez’s place.
If the Braves attempt to replace Jimenez via free agency, some of the best right-handed relievers available include:
Old door closers Aroldis Chapman (3.79, 98 Ks in 61 2/3 rounds) and Kenley Jansen (3.29, 62 Ks in 54 2/3 innings) could also be an option for general manager Alex Anthopoulos to consider.
