Braves upgrade bullpen in trade with Giants

The Atlanta Braves traded for right-handed reliever Jay Jackson with the San Francisco Giants.

The shore up their bullpen for a World Series title defense, the Atlanta Braves dealt for right-hander Jay Jackson in a trade with the San Francisco Giants.

The Braves added Jackson for cash considerations and a player to be named later or more future cash considerations. As a result of this move, Atlanta designated right-handed pitcher Yoan Lopez for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster.

Jackson grew up in Braves Country in Greenville, South Carolina, pitching at nearby Furman University in college. He will be pitching in his age-34 season for the 2022 Braves . Jackson is arbitration eligible in 2024 and won’t hit free agency until 2028. Last season saw him pitch in 21.2 innings over 23 games for the Giants, posting a career-best 3.74 ERA for San Francisco.

Atlanta Braves traded for RHP Jay Jackson in deal with San Francisco Giants

Jackson made his big-league debut with the 2015 San Diego Padres. He also pitched for the 2019 Milwaukee Brewers and the 2021 Giants with some stints over in Japan sprinkled in between. While he may only be a deep roster guy for the defending World Series champions, this is the type of under-the-radar move that can help Atlanta in its first title defense in 26 big-league seasons.

A big reason for the Braves’ catching fire in the final few months of the season was the emergence of its shutdown bullpen. Though “The Nightshift” may not be able to recreate what it did in August, September and October, any help general manager Alex Anthopoulos can add to the bullpen is appreciated. Shortening games will go a long way towards helping a growing rotation.

Jackson joining the Braves may not move the needle a ton, but his arrival could help Atlanta.