Atlanta Braves: Projecting the 2018 bullpen

We project the 2018 Atlanta Braves bullpen, after a disastrous 2017 effort.

The 2017 Atlanta Braves bullpen was a point of frustration among fans. With a young starting staff that struggled to pitch into the 7th inning, Braves manager Brian Snitker was forced to rely on a bullpen that suffered from a lack of consistency and defined roles.  Jim Johnson, the closer, blew nine saves while posting a 5.56 ERA.

The only reliable options were Arodyz Vizcaino and lefty journeyman, Sam Freeman.  However, Vizcaino for all his excellent work, allowed 8 of 12 inherited runners to score, while Freeman stranded a team-high 52.6%.

In short, the bullpen allowed just too many inherited runners to score and failed to provide shutdown innings consistently.  Going into 2018, the Atlanta bullpen appears to be much improved, with the bulk of the late-inning work going to pitchers that can post higher K rates instead of relying on soft contact to escape jams.

Arodys Vizcaino enters the season as the team’s closer.  The fireballer’s fastball averaged 98.2 mph while his change-up sat at 89.5 mph in 2017.  He averaged 10.05 K/9 which was offset by a 3.3 BB/9.  The struggle with his command, is a bit of concern as is his 4.21 xFIP, but as Vizcaino enters his prime years, he is a fabulous sleeper candidate and can rack up saves.  Of course, the bullpen’s success rests on his shoulders.

Getting to Vizcaino should feature a much-improved cast as well.  Jose Ramirez was forced into a critical role in 2017, pitching 62 innings with 27 holds.  However, Ramirez allowed 12 of 16 inherited runners to score and posted a -0.4 WAR, 4.21 BB/9, and 5.00 xFIP.  The aforementioned Sam Freeman was better, stranding 52.6% but also struggled with command issuing 4.05 BB/9.

He and Vizcaino led the pen with a 0.7 WAR.  Daniel Winkler returned from two seasons of injuries to throw 14.1 impressive innings.  Snitker used Winkler in late game situations, and he responded well striking out 11.3 per 9.  Lefty veteran Rex Brothers struck out 12.55 hitters per 9 in limited action.  Those four enter the season expected to carry the bulk of the late-inning work.