Atlanta Braves Could Land Veteran Relief Pitcher to Strengthen Late-Inning Options
As the offseason continues, the Atlanta Braves have already made some big moves, but rumors are swirling that they’re far from done. While the team has been primarily focused on bolstering their starting rotation, there’s a growing expectation that the Braves will also add some depth to their bullpen. A potential target? Veteran right-hander David Robertson, a former New York Yankees All-Star who has proven himself as one of the most reliable arms in the game.
In a recent prediction from Just Baseball’s Ryan Finkelstein, Robertson’s name surfaced as a likely addition for the Braves. Finkelstein speculated that the Braves could sign Robertson as a key late-inning arm to complement their already strong bullpen. With a reliable veteran presence like Robertson, Atlanta could ensure a more secure setup for their closer or even turn to him as a fill-in if needed.
Why David Robertson Makes Sense for the Braves
The Braves are no strangers to strong bullpen play, but adding a pitcher of Robertson’s caliber would give them even more firepower when it matters most—late in games. Robertson, who’s pitched for multiple teams throughout his career, is known for his ability to step into closing situations when necessary, providing the kind of flexibility that any contender covets.
Finkelstein’s prediction hinges on the idea that Robertson would be a perfect fit for the Braves. After all, the team is gearing up for another postseason push, and securing a dependable reliever who has experience in high-pressure situations could be crucial. The Braves already boast one of the top pitching staffs in Major League Baseball, but adding a veteran like Robertson could make a significant difference in their quest for a championship.
Robertson’s versatility is another selling point. While he’s primarily known for setting up the closer, his ability to fill in as a closer when needed would give the Braves a much-needed safety net in case of injuries or unforeseen circumstances. Having a pitcher who can seamlessly slide into any role in the bullpen adds a layer of security to Atlanta’s already solid pitching staff.
The Financial Fit: Robertson’s Projected Value
David Robertson has been a consistent presence in MLB bullpens for over a decade, and his reliability hasn’t gone unnoticed. Spotrac, which tracks player contracts and projections, estimates that Robertson is worth around $7.1 million on a one-year deal this offseason. While the Braves have been somewhat conservative with their spending this winter, this is a price that falls well within their budget—especially for a pitcher who could provide immediate impact in the late innings.
While the Braves have been hesitant to splurge on big-money contracts this offseason, a deal with Robertson makes a lot of sense financially. At $7.1 million, Robertson is a relatively affordable option for a team with championship aspirations. The Braves may not want to break the bank, but adding a reliable veteran to the bullpen would certainly be worth the investment.
In fact, Robertson’s price tag is likely to be more than manageable for the Braves, who still have room to make other moves if necessary. With the Braves’ focus on securing the right pieces to ensure a deep playoff run, bringing in a veteran like Robertson would give their bullpen the stability it needs to compete at the highest level.
Atlanta Braves’ Offseason Strategy: More Than Just the Bullpen
The Braves have been active in addressing multiple needs this offseason, but the bullpen remains an area that could see further upgrades. While the Braves have made headlines by adding starting pitchers, like many other teams, they are also looking for ways to strengthen their relief options.
Adding a veteran like Robertson would not only boost the Braves’ bullpen but also help alleviate some of the pressure on their starting pitchers. With a reliable setup man, the Braves could rest assured that they have a dependable arm to handle the high-leverage situations that often arise in tight games. Robertson’s experience in postseason baseball also makes him an appealing addition, as the Braves will likely rely heavily on their bullpen in the postseason if they are to make a deep run.
The potential signing of Robertson would also allow the Braves to stay flexible with their pitching staff. Given Robertson’s experience as both a setup man and a closer, he would give manager Brian Snitker more options when managing late-game situations. This flexibility is crucial as the Braves try to keep their arms fresh throughout the season while also keeping an eye on the bigger picture—October baseball.
