2 Braves offseason decisions that will payoff, 1 that will backfire

3) Braves offseason decision that will backfire: Trading for Joe Jimenez

The only thing Joe Jimenez has in common with Dansby Swanson is he also happened to have his best season in 2022. Out of the Detroit Tigers bullpen, Jimenez was 3-2 with a 3.49 ERA in 56.2 innings. It wasn’t bad for a guy they’ve been waiting years to see finish with an ERA under 4.00.

Jimenez’s name seemed to come up every trade deadline and offseason. During the dark ages in Detroit for their baseball team, it seemed inevitably that this young high-K pitcher would get dealt somewhere. Finally, it was the Braves who bit and made the Tigers an offer they couldn’t refuse.

It doesn’t seem like the greatest of additions to the bullpen. Jimenez is a free agent after the 2023 season. At the cost of two prospects, it’s more a matter of choosing him over other options. On one hand, the Braves aren’t committed after this season. On the other, if he dazzles, Jimenez could easily walk into free agency with his head held high.

The Braves are taking somewhat of a chance on Jimenez who joins the team with a career 5.24 ERA in 266 innings of work. It’s frightening for a guy who might have a big role in the Atlanta bullpen this season.

The Braves may have unwisely decided to go with Jimenez over simply signing a veteran for some late-inning help. It feels like if any offseason decision by the ball club will backfire quickly, it’s this one.