*Photo from the Atlanta Journal Constitution*
Another reliever has rejoined the fold in Atlanta. The Atlanta Braves and RHP Joe Jimenez have agreed to a 3 year, $26 million contract, according to an announcement by the Braves on Thursday.
Jimenez was acquired by the Braves last offseason from the Detroit Tigers. In his first season with the Braves, he posted a 3.04 ERA, 3.59 FIP, and 1.154 WHIP, throwing 56 1/3 innings while appearing in 59 games. He appeared in one playoff game, pitching a scoreless inning.
Less than 12 hours after the Texas Rangers hoisted the World Series trophy, the Braves agreed to a contract to bring Jimenez back. In 2024, Jimenez will make $8 million, which turns into $9 million in both 2025 and 2026. With free agency about to open, Jimenez was a pending free agent, and now he returns to Atlanta.
Last season was a tale of two parts for Jimenez. After undergoing offseason surgery, he had a 4.42 ERA while opponents had a .826 OPS after 20 appearances. Starting in June, opponents had a .635 OPS and Jimenez had a 2.37 ERA over his last 39 appearances.
Over the last few months of the regular season, Jimenez became a key leverage option in the back of the Braves bullpen. He showed a great ability to miss bats, ranking in the 88th percentile in whiff percentage and finishing 12th among NL relievers with 11.7 strikeouts per 9 innings.
Jimenez has 7 years in the majors under his belt, 6 with the Tigers and one with the Braves. He has accumulated a 1.306 WHIP, 4.86 ERA, and 3.96 FIP, notching 20 saves while appearing in 356 games out of the bullpen, totaling 322 1/3 innings pitched.
With Jimenez and Pierce Johnson having been brought back by the Braves, two pieces of the bullpen puzzle have been solved. Relievers Collin McHugh and Brad Hand have team options for 2024, while Jesse Chavez and Kirby Yates are set to hit free agency.
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