Heading into the 2025 season, Atlanta's biggest concern was whether or not its bullpen would hold up. The team had lost Joe Jimenez to injury before the season began, and A.J. Minter had departed the franchise, joining the New York Mets. Atlanta's lone reliable arm heading into the season was expected to be closer Raisel Iglesias. Who would handle setup situations or be counted on in a long relief role remained a mystery. More than two weeks into the season, those same questions still plague the franchise.
Atlanta's series opener against Toronto was the perfect example with Grant Holmes last into the 8th inning. The starter made the best start of his career, setting the tone for the series and leaving plenty of time for Atlanta to build a huge lead. Enter Aaron Bummer, and the giant lead was soon cut in half. While the team was never in jeopardy of losing, it was a clear example of what has made this team so frustrating to watch in the first two weeks of the season.
Braves Bullpen Must Improve for Atlanta to Be Considered NL Contenders
While this might seem like a weighty statement, it is important to remember that this is a team that started 0-7. During that run, there were a handful of moments when games could have turned in Atlanta's favor, and their bullpen stepped in the way. The Braves appear to have anticipated these struggles, signing former Atlanta closer Craig Kimbrel in hopes of the veteran being able to recapture his early 2024 form.
Fans' growing frustration is not based on the players in the bullpen struggling. Yes, this is less than ideal, but it is understandable when you look at the options. Atlanta's frustration is understandable with ownership and a front office that saw a problem and did nothing of note to address it. This is a Braves team that was supposed to be the top contender against the Dodgers in the National League.
Instead, they are attempting to fight their way out of the basement of their own division and look nothing like a team that could threaten the monster out west. Atlanta's decision to ignore the bullpen is costing the team games, and if they continue to ignore the problem, it will cost the team their season.
Manager Brian Snitker can continue to attempt to use creative lineups and hold open tryouts for setup roles. The results will frustrate fans based on the simple fact that this roster doesn't have enough depth. Until that changes, there is reason for a level of skepticism about how this season will play out.