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3 Braves DFA candidates who could lose their 40-man roster spot

By Tim Boyle

Sep 22, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Sean Newcomb (15) throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the ninth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 22, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Sean Newcomb (15) throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the ninth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Atlanta Braves DFA candidate Jacob Webb
Oct 14, 2020; Arlington, Texas, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Jacob Webb (71) throws against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the eighth inning of game three of the 2020 NLCS at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Jacob Webb doesn’t fit what the Braves depth chart needs

Another relief pitcher is bound to get designated for assignment. More than any other role, they seem to get it most. Deep on the 40-man roster, there are three candidates. Brooks Wilson (26), Dylan Lee (27), and Jacob Webb (28). Wilson is the youngest so there’s a benefit there. Lee throws left-handed and actually pitched very well in Triple-A last year.

This leaves us with Webb. The oldest of the three, he also happens to be left with only a single minor league option left. Unfortunately for him, he may be looking for a new club before the season begins.

The Braves have used Webb sparingly in each of the last three seasons. He pitched well in 2019, going 4-0 with a 1.39 ERA in 32.1 innings of work. He didn’t give up any earned runs in his 10 innings in 2020. Last year, in 34.1 innings of work, Webb was 5-4 with a 4.19 ERA.

Players like Webb have some potential but they also tend to become journeymen at this point in their careers. When given the chance to pitch in the major leagues, he hasn’t been so bad. However, the Braves may be looking for ways to add someone like Brock Holt onto the 40-man roster. Their 40-man roster is severely lacking in position players and they have more than enough relief pitchers available.

Unfortunately for Webb, he’s probably going to be a free agent soon. The good news: he probably will find a deal somewhere and maybe a better opportunity to pitch in the major leagues.

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