The Atlanta Braves have made it clear that they are going to pursue pitching during the offseason.
They believe that their lack of depth in the rotation has been one of the reasons they have been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for two years in a row.
As a result, they have been active in the free-agent market.
They asked about Aaron Nola, who ended up signing with the Philadelphia Phillies, and they have expressed their interest in free-agent starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
You can add a third name to the list, only that this one has already been signed as per a Monday announcement.
It’s Reynaldo Lopez, who will join the Braves on a three-year deal.
Lopez was a starter ever since he was a prospect until 2020.
The Chicago White Sox, his former team, started a transition to the bullpen in 2021 and the success was remarkable.
Having said this, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal detailed the role in which the Braves will use the righty.
“Reynaldo López will prepare as a starter this winter and the Braves will stretch him out in spring training, sources tell @TheAthletic. Team will determine role at end of spring. Lopez averaged 32 GS/186 IP for White Sox in 2018-19. Potential versatility appealed to Braves,” he tweeted.
Reynaldo López will prepare as a starter this winter and the Braves will stretch him out in spring training, sources tell @TheAthletic. Team will determine role at end of spring. Lopez averaged 32 GS/186 IP for White Sox in 2018-19. Potential versatility appealed to Braves.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 20, 2023
He will prepare as a starter, but external factors plus his own performance will determine his 2024 role, probably in spring training.
As a starter, Lopez has an underwhelming 4.73 ERA.
From the bullpen, he is at a much better 3.01.
Still, Atlanta believes his stuff has improved recently and he could be a fine option for the rotation.
If anything, the versatility comes in handy for them.
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