The Atlanta Braves wasted no time kicking off their offseason, declining the 2025 club options on relievers Pierce Johnson and Tyler Kinley. At the same time, they kept stars Chris Sale and Ozzie Albies locked in for another year.
By letting Johnson and Kinley go, the Braves save $11.5 million. That opens up bullpen spots and hints at a front office ready to shake things up, not just stick with mid-tier veterans on big contracts.
This move leans toward financial flexibility. The Braves seem set on a busy winter, hoping to reload for another deep playoff run.
Braves Part Ways with Johnson and Kinley
Pierce Johnson and Tyler Kinley are out, and now Atlanta faces two big relief pitching vacancies. Johnson came over from the Rockies in 2023 and posted a 4.49 ERA over 19â…” innings for the Braves.
He brought some playoff experience and a lively fastball, but inconsistency made the decision easier for Atlanta. Kinley’s 2024 was a mixed bag too—he appeared in 42 games, finishing with a 4.98 ERA.
He did show better command and more strikeouts late in the year. Still, the front office passed on his $5.5 million option, choosing to look elsewhere for bullpen help.
Why the Braves Made This Move
Atlanta’s front office likes to be calculated when it comes to the bullpen. Relievers can be unpredictable from season to season, and paying nearly $6 million for arms with ERAs near 5.00 feels risky.
By letting Johnson and Kinley walk, the Braves free up payroll and can chase younger arms, value free agents, or trade targets with more upside.
Keeping Franchise Cornerstones
While the Braves moved on from two relievers, they didn’t hesitate to keep their stars. Chris Sale, the reigning National League Cy Young winner, will make $18 million in 2025.
Sale turned in a 2.58 ERA and racked up 161 strikeouts in 152â…” innings. He gave Atlanta the rotation anchor they needed.
Ozzie Albies’ $7 million option was a no-brainer. He’s one of the best second basemen in baseball, blending steady offense with leadership in the clubhouse.
Leadership and On-Field Impact
Sale’s veteran presence and Albies’ energy are huge for the Braves’ 2025 plans. Sale leads the rotation, while Albies gets the offense going and keeps the team loose in tight moments.
Keeping both guys means Atlanta holds onto its core and the winning attitude that’s fueled their recent runs.
Bullpen Outlook for 2025
Now that Johnson and Kinley are gone, the Braves’ bullpen looks unsettled. Raisel Iglesias is still the closer, but they need to find reliable setup and middle relief arms to connect the rotation to the ninth inning.
Some possible offseason moves:
- Sign relievers with high upside in free agency
- Trade from their position player depth for bullpen help
- Give minor league pitchers a shot in the majors
- Target pitchers who can fill multiple roles
Challenges Ahead
Building a playoff bullpen is never easy. The Braves have to juggle performance, injury risk, age, and cost, all while staying within budget.
With relievers, you never really know what you’ll get. Nailing the right mix will be key if Atlanta wants another shot at a title.
Strategic Roster Reshaping
These early option calls show a clear plan: keep the stars, cut questionable deals, and stay flexible for bigger moves. The National League is loaded with contenders, so the Braves’ ability to pivot could make all the difference in 2025.
Fans should expect a flurry of activity in December and January as free agency and trade talks heat up. Atlanta’s championship window is still wide open—but only if they can rebuild the bullpen into a reliable, shutdown group to back up their strong offense and elite rotation.
Final Thoughts
The Braves have made some bold choices lately. You can tell they know how to walk that tricky line between winning now and building for the future.
They’ve managed to keep their core stars while clearing up some salary room. That opens the door for a pretty interesting offseason in Atlanta—maybe even a turning point for the team.
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Here is the source article for this story: Braves decline club options on Pierce Johnson, Tyler Kinley
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