The Braves have let a ton of pieces from their 2021 World Series team walk over the last two seasons. Some have hurt more than others, and the latest one will sting pretty deep, even if it became expected over the last several months. According to Zach Klein, Luke “The Sliderman” Jackson is finalizing a deal to sign with the Giants.
With the Braves bolstering their bullpen numerous times this offseason, it became unlikely Jackson would return. They don’t necessarily need him at this point, but he was a critical piece to Atlanta’s bullpen from 2019-2021, and his last pitch as a Brave was one of the most memorable in franchise history.
Jackson was the team’s temporary closer for much of the 2019 season, and despite being way out of his depth, he saved what was a brutal Atlanta bullpen that season.
Luke Jackson struggled in 2020, but 2021 was a career year for the right-hander, boasting a 1.98 ERA over 71 appearances. He was set to once again be a key piece to Atlanta’s relief core in 2022, but right before the season began, it was discovered that he would have to undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the season.
I wanted the Sliderman back in Atlanta for one more run. I’m sure the contract he signed with the Giants was only for one year. However, I understand why the Braves went in another direction. Jackson was never an elite option, and who knows how we will respond to missing an entire year. The Braves bullpen is already elite; Luke Jackson should get plenty of more opportunities with the Giants, and here’s to hoping he makes the most of them… unless he’s playing the Braves of course.
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