This continues my series of awards for the Braves in 2022. If you missed any of the previous parts of this series, follow the links below:
Honorable Mention
The answer to this question is clear as day to me, but I had to give an honorable mention to one of the newest members of the Braves — Raisel Iglesias. Iglesias has admitted to making some adjustments since the trade from Los Angeles to Atlanta, and they’ve paid substantial dividends. In 18 appearances (16.2 innings), he’s allowed just one earned run and eight hits. Iglesias boasts a 0.54 ERA to go along with a 0.720 WHIP and 10.8 K/9. Outside of a poor start to the season with the Angels, he’s been one of the most feared relievers ever since coming into the league, and in the playoffs, I expect Brian Snitker to turn to him much more often in the ninth inning.
A.J. Minter
Had Iglesias spent the entire season with the Braves, perhaps he could rival A.J. Minter, but this one really isn’t close. Minter has been one of the best relievers in all of baseball this season, and it really is a shame they don’t have more spots for bullpen arms on the All-Star team because he was robbed of that nomination. He’s posted a 2.10 ERA this season with a 1.97 FIP and is striking out a ridiculous 35.8% of the batters he has faced. According to FanGraphs WAR leaderboards, he is the third-ranked reliever in all of baseball, behind only Edwin Diaz and Emmanual Clase. Minter is the ultimate weapon for Brian Snitker out of the Braves bullpen, and I can’t wait for him to be unleashed in the postseason.
—
David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
You must log in to post a comment.