Much to the chagrin of many Atlanta Braves fans, Spring Training has begun and the team has yet to sign Craig Kimbrel. Meanwhile, the Braves still lack a dominant closer. The fact that Kimbrel spent his first five seasons in Atlanta led many fans to dream of a reunion when he hit free agency this off-season. However, General Manager Alex Anthopoulos said earlier in the off-season that spending big on a closer did not fit the team’s model.
As March quickly approaches Kimbrel remains unsigned leaving a return to the Braves on a short term deal still a possibility. Still, the Braves are not without options at the backend of the bullpen even if the sides cannot agree on a deal.
Atlanta Braves Closer Options
Arodys Vizcaíno Brings Experience as Closer
28-year-old right-hander Arodys Vizcaíno was the primary closer last season. He saved 16 games but also battled shoulder injuries. The Braves brought him back on a one-year deal this off-season. The $4.8 million contract is modest and signals that he may not have a firm grasp on the closer job.
The Atlanta #Braves today agreed to terms with RHP Arodys Vizcaíno on a one-year, non-guaranteed contract worth $4.8 million for the 2019 season, thus avoiding salary arbitration.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) January 11, 2019
Vizcaíno did blow two saves along with his 16 saves in 2018. He went on the disabled list in mid-June with shoulder inflammation. After returning in July, he made two appearances and was then put back on the disabled list with more shoulder troubles. The second stint on the DL lasted much longer, running into September. Durability concerns will linger until he can go an extended amount of time while being effective.
His saves have increased each of the last four seasons. He has also posted three seasons with a sub-three ERA during that span. Even if he maintains the closer role this season, it is unlikely he will keep it beyond 2019.
Other Options in the Bullpen
A.J. Minter showed promise when he was called to fill in as the closer last season. After appearing in 16 games in 2017, he saw an expanded role in 2018 and appeared in 65 games with 15 saves. When Vizcaíno was on the shelf, Minter demonstrated the composure and repertoire that teams look for in a closer. The lefty boasted a 3-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio and struck out 10.1 batters/9 innings pitched.
Another youngster that may figure into the Braves plans in the late innings is Chad Sobotka. When the 25-year-old right-hander was called up in mid-August, he performed very well out of the bullpen. In 14 appearances, he went 1-0 with a 1.88 ERA.
Sobotka was projected as a possible first-round selection in 2014 out of USC-Upstate, but back issues slid him to Atlanta in the fourth round. He is a two-pitch pitcher, using an overpowering four-seam fastball and a slider to get batters out. He has been erratic at times and his walk ratios will have to improve if he expects to regularly be used in high leverage situations.
Longshot
Right-hander Dan Winkler provides the Braves another live arm in the bullpen. Winkler battled injuries from 2014 through 2016 while dealing with two major elbow surgeries in that time span. He was called back up in 2017 in August and appeared in 16 games. Last season he was a workhorse while appearing in 69 games. In those games, he earned a 4-0 record to go with two saves. Winkler is not a prototypical closer but gives the Braves depth if they elect to use a committee approach at closer.
After experiencing 20 blown saves last season, signing Kimbrel to a short-term deal would be ideal for the Braves in 2019. If the two sides cannot come together, there are several capable arms waiting to come in and close games down. The variety of skill sets will allow manager Brian Snitker to play matchups as the team looks to repeat as NL East champs.
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