Just days into the 2024 MLB offseason, the Atlanta Braves lost one of their best relievers.
Setup 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.
#Brave with another major injury setback even in the offseason: Coach Joe Jiménez underwent surgery to repair cartilage damage in his left knee on October 29 and will miss between 8 and 12 months, that is, at least one much of the 2025 season.
– David O’Brien (@DOBrienATL) November 5, 2024
Jiménez, 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 backup closer when Raisel Iglesias (1.95 ERA, 68 strikeouts in 69 1/3 innings) was unavailable and saved seven games.
Atlanta acquired Jiménez from the Detroit Tigers in December 2022 and subsequently signed him to 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 now he might not even be available to pitch in 2025.
Jiménez’s injury creates an offseason need for a reliever, which could explain why Atlanta traded Jorge Soler and the remaining $26 million on his contract to the Los Angeles Angels last week. The Braves also declined their $8 million option on catcher Travis d’Arnaud on Monday.
With Pierce Johnson (3.67 ERA, 67 strikeouts in 56 1/3 innings) as the other big righty in the bullpen behind Iglesias, the Braves could turn to Dylan Lee (2.11, 76 strikeouts, 59 2/3 innings), Grant Holmes (3.56, 70 Ks, 68 1/3 innings) and Daysbel Hernández (2.50, 26 Ks, 18 innings) as internal options to take Jiménez’s place.
If the Braves attempt to replace Jiménez through free agency, some of the best right-handed relievers available include:
Former closers Aroldis Chapman (3.79, 98 Ks in 61 2/3 innings) and Kenley Jansen (3.29, 62 Ks in 54 2/3 innings) could also be options for general manager Alex Anthopoulos to consider.