Braves: 3 relievers to sign after losing Mark Melancon to Padres

2. Trevor Rosenthal

Rosenthal is an excellent rebound candidate, not because he had a bad 2020, though. In fact, Rosenthal’s on a career rebound. The former St. Louis Cardinals closer had a steep fall, forcing the righty to reinvent himself in the minor leagues and work his way up to the major league level again.

Now, still just 30, Rosenthal has a legitimate argument to be a late-inning reliever, or possibly once again regain his closer’s role. In 2020, Rosenthal pitched in 25 total games with the Royals and Padres, and ended the season with a contending San Diego team in which he was an integral part of the bullpen. He’s exactly what the Braves are looking for in terms of a proven track record, and there’s a chance he’s not yet re-established enough to command an absurd asking price.

Rosenthal no longer has the ego of a top-notch closer, which he was in St. Louis. But his familiarity with the National League and the back end of a bullpen would give the Braves something they desperately need at this juncture.