5 offseason moves the Braves should make

4. Find a closer

The Braves’ bullpen is their biggest liability entering 2020, just as it was entering 2019. Atlanta attempted to totally remake its ‘pen at the trade deadline, dealing for Chris Martin, Mark Melancon, Shane Greene and Anthony Swarzak but got only mixed results from the new group. Unfortunately for the Braves, this winter’s class of free-agent closers is fairly thin.

Melancon and Luke Jackson shared closing duties down the stretch and were passable. Neither invokes a great deal of confidence as a closer on a team with World Series aspirations. The Braves may have to turn to the trade market or get creative with their younger arms to really lock down the ninth inning next season.

All-Stars Aroldis Chapman and Kenley Jansen both have player options that can allow them to re-enter free agency this winter, but the Braves should steer clear of both if they do indeed hit the open market. A better option may be former San Francisco Giants closer Will Smith, who stole Melancon’s job. The rest of the top relievers on the market are all in their mid-30s, and their performance can vary greatly from year to year.

On the trade front, an intriguing name for the Braves to consider is Baltimore Orioles sidewinder Mychal Givens. The Cincinnati Reds appear confident they can begin challenging for a playoff spot, so that should take Rasiel Iglesias off the market. Kirby Yates could also be available in San Diego.