The Braves have kicked off the offseason by shedding salary through trades, roster cuts, and contract restructures. It’s clear they’re preparing to make moves this winter, but a new concern has now emerged.
According to David O’Brien of The Athletic, setup man Joe Jiménez recently underwent knee surgery and is expected to miss eight to twelve months. At best, he could return shortly after the 2025 All-Star break, but there’s a real possibility he might miss the entire season.
Since joining the Braves from the Tigers two offseasons ago, Jiménez has been one of the most reliable setup men in baseball. Over 128 appearances, he’s posted an impressive 2.81 ERA, 2.90 FIP, and 11.2 K/9. This is a major blow for Brian Snitker’s team, especially considering they just extended Jiménez on a three-year deal last offseason.
Pitching is a necessity for any team with World Series aspirations, and the Braves had appeared well-positioned entering this offseason. However, the Jiménez injury shifts their priorities. Losing both him and potentially A.J. Minter to free agency would be a serious setback for a bullpen that ranked among the league’s best last year. Replacing them won’t come cheap, and addressing bullpen depth has quickly become a top priority for Atlanta as free agency begins.
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Photographer: John Adams/Icon Sportswire
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