The Atlanta Braves have made their fair share of moves this offseason, both in free agency and on the trade market. The team acquired Mauricio Dubón, who could potentially become the everyday shortstop. GM Alex Anthopoulos also brought back veteran reliever Raisel Iglesias on a one-year deal, prying him away from the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays.
“Per sources, Raisel Iglesias received offers from the Dodgers and Blue Jays worth around $16 million, but ultimately chose to return to the Braves,” reporter Francys Romero wrote.
The Braves have also made several under-the-radar moves with smaller signings. On Sunday, they reached an agreement with Joel Payamps on a one-year contract.
“The Braves announced that they have signed right-hander Joel Payamps to a one-year, $2.25MM deal. Payamps is represented by agents Larry Reynolds and Rosie Lopez-Herrera. After Payamps was designated for assignment by the Brewers in September, Atlanta stepped in to claim the righty on waivers, and Payamps logged two appearances and 2 2/3 innings with his new team before season’s end,” MLB Trade Rumors’ Mark Polishuk wrote.
This signing shows that Atlanta still seems unwilling to address its bullpen with major financial commitments.
“The Braves must understand they are stuck in the same National League as the Los Angeles Dodgers, who already have a 2026 payroll of over $240 million, per Spotrac. For Atlanta not only to have a chance to return to contention, but to have a chance to compete with the back-to-back World Series champs, there must be a willingness to spend what it takes to patch obvious holes,” ATL All Day’s Nick Halden wrote.
The Braves will have to be willing to spend if they want to fully fix the bullpen. Atlanta should be hungry for a stronger season after struggling to overcome the injuries that plagued them last year.
Iglesias was a strong first addition, but if he’s the only major signing they make this offseason, it could be a long year. Perhaps the Payamps deal will be the last of these depth-focused moves.
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