Braves Legend’s Return Might Solve Brian Snitker’s Bullpen Dilemma
The Atlanta Braves may soon receive a much-needed boost to their shaky bullpen — and the answer might come in the form of a familiar face.
After a dreadful 0-7 start to the 2025 season, the Braves have clawed their way back to the .500 mark. While the team has started playing better baseball overall, the bullpen continues to be a glaring weak spot. Closer Raisel Iglesias has struggled mightily, failing to instill confidence and contributing to Atlanta playing in far too many nail-biting extra-inning games.
One of those tight contests saw veteran reliever Pierce Johnson get the save against the Washington Nationals, helping the Braves even their record. However, Johnson’s outing was anything but convincing. Fortunately, help may be on the way in the form of Craig Kimbrel, a Braves legend and former elite closer.
As Chase Irle of Sports Talk ATL reported, Kimbrel has been quietly working his way back through the minor league system after a rough 2024 season with the Baltimore Orioles. He began this year at Double-A Mississippi and has since moved up to Triple-A Gwinnett. Although there’s no guarantee the Braves will call him up, the continued struggles of Iglesias might speed up that decision.
While Iglesias likely won’t be demoted, Atlanta simply can’t afford to squander a promising season on an unreliable closer.
Kimbrel Could Be the Key to Snitker’s Final Push
Braves manager Brian Snitker is facing one of the most challenging seasons of his tenure — perhaps his last, as retirement rumors swirl. Atlanta’s brutal start has forced him to rethink his usual managerial style, including regularly adjusting lineups and bullpen usage.
The starting rotation, anchored by improved performances from Chris Sale and AJ Smith-Shawver, is beginning to stabilize. Offensively, the team is showing signs of life, although lineup decisions like finding more playing time for Drake Baldwin and evaluating Ozzie Albies’ struggles from the left side remain ongoing puzzles.
Despite the inconsistency of Iglesias, the rest of the bullpen has started to settle. Bringing back Kimbrel wouldn’t just be a nostalgic move — it could elevate the entire relief corps. The veteran knows his time in the majors is nearing its end, and finishing his storied career where it began would be a fitting conclusion.
Ultimately, baseball has a way of writing its own stories. If Kimbrel can prove himself ready, a return to Atlanta could be the closing chapter both he and the Braves need.
Leave a Reply