Braves Trade Market Update: Relief Pitching Targets and Outlook

The Atlanta Braves aren’t waiting around to shape their 2024 roster. Under president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos, they’ve moved fast and made some bold calls early in the offseason.

They anchored their bullpen by re-signing Raisel Iglesias to a one-year, $16 million deal. Trading for utilityman Mauricio Dubon from the Houston Astros, Atlanta’s front office is basically saying: we’re not here to play catch-up in the National League.

These moves come as the rest of Major League Baseball starts to wake up, too. The market for trades and free agents is just starting to heat up, and you can feel the energy building.

Braves Strengthen Late-Inning Firepower

Bringing back Raisel Iglesias shows the Braves want stability when things get tense. The 34-year-old closer has delivered year after year, and keeping him around gives Atlanta a serious edge in those nail-biter games.

That $16 million for one season isn’t just a number—it’s a sign of trust, and maybe a bit of urgency. Elite bullpen arms are expensive for a reason, and the Braves know it.

The Impact of Iglesias’s Presence

Iglesias steps up when the pressure’s on, and that steadies the entire bullpen. He lets the rest of the pitching staff work without having to worry about who’s shutting the door in the ninth.

In those clutch moments, having a closer who can handle the heat might be what keeps the Braves in the playoff hunt.

Utility Upgrade: Mauricio Dubon Arrives in Atlanta

Mauricio Dubon isn’t exactly a household name, but the Braves clearly see something special. He comes over from the Astros with a reputation for versatility—he can handle shortstop, second base, center field, and even spot starts wherever they need him.

That kind of flexibility gives Anthopoulos a lot to work with, especially as the team figures out what to do at shortstop.

Why Versatility Matters Now More Than Ever

Let’s face it—injuries happen, schedules get brutal, and lineups need to shift. A guy like Dubon means the Braves won’t have to scramble if someone goes down.

His defense could be a lifesaver in close games, and just knowing he’s there has to make the coaching staff breathe a little easier.

Roster Reshaping: Departures and Future Moves

Of course, it’s not all arrivals. The Braves declined club options on Tyler Kinley and Pierce Johnson, making it clear they’re not done tweaking the bullpen.

Anthopoulos has already hinted they’ll keep looking for more relief help. Pitching depth and maybe a new everyday shortstop are still on the checklist.

Remaining Priorities for the Braves

So what’s next? Anthopoulos wants to shore up the pitching, lock down the defense, and keep the lineup dangerous.

The hunt for starting pitching could mean trades or maybe some mid-tier free agents. Shortstop is still a big question mark that could change how the rest of the roster shapes up.

League-Wide Trade Action Heating Up

The Braves’ Dubon trade isn’t happening in a vacuum. Trades are picking up everywhere—like the surprise swap of Taylor Ward for Grayson Rodriguez between the Angels and Orioles.

That move caught a lot of people off guard and shows that teams are getting aggressive before the non-tender deadline.

Potential Non-Tender Targets to Watch

MLBTradeRumors has a list of possible non-tender candidates, and honestly, there are some interesting names out there. If a team’s willing to take a chance, these players could pay off:

• Jonah Heim – defensive-minded catcher with offensive streaks
• Adolis García – elite power bat and Gold Glove-caliber outfielder
• Jonathan India – former Rookie of the Year with on-base skills
• Alec Bohm – versatile corner infielder with emerging bat speed
• Jesús Sánchez – powerful, left-handed hitting outfielder
• Bailey Falter – back-end starter with room for growth

Relief Pitching Market Poised for Fast Movement

Re-signing Iglesias might just set off a chain reaction in the relief pitching market. Top names like Edwin Díaz, Robert Suarez, Ryan Helsley, and Devin Williams are still out there.

Guys like Brad Keller, Pete Fairbanks, and Luke Weaver could attract attention too, as teams try to lock down arms before the New Year rolls around.

Why Bullpen Stability Defines Contenders

In modern baseball, elite relief crews can neutralize opposing offenses. They shorten games and force hitters to press.

A reliable bullpen turns slim leads into victories. That formula has led to postseason success for several franchises lately.

Anthopoulos seems to get this, and he’s acting on it. The Braves’ aggressive early offseason moves say it all—they want high-leverage pitching and more roster flexibility.

Instead of waiting for the winter meetings, Atlanta’s jumping in early. That boldness might just give them a real edge when Opening Day 2024 rolls around.

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Here is the source article for this story: The Opener: Braves, Trade Market, Relief Market