One of Alex Anthopoulos’ greatest strengths is finding diamonds in the rough. The Braves have several candidates for the 2023 campaign, like Sam Hilliard and Kevin Pillar, but Nick Anderson is quietly having a productive season in relief. What makes it even better is the Mets passed on him.
Everyone remembers Anderson’s time with the Rays, arriving in 2019 and posting a minuscule 2.11 ERA and 17.3 K/9 in 21 games. He then followed it up during the COVID shortened 2022 season with an even better 0.55 ERA and 14.3 K/9 over 16.1 innings.
Unfortunately, Tommy John surgery has effectively sidelined Anderson for the last two seasons, but the Braves were willing to bet on his upside this offseason. They were able to sign him to a non-guaranteed deal for less than $1 million, and it didn’t take him long to make an impact following a myriad of injuries to the relief core.
Anderson has posted a respectable 3.55 ERA across 12.2 innings, but his 1.81 FIP suggests that figure should be even lower. He also sports a 12.8 K/9 and a 0.789 WHIP. Anderson has been borderline elite, and it makes it even sweeter that the Mets passed on him too.
Rasiel Iglesias is set to return to the bullpen in the near future, which will benefit AJ Minter and the rest of the relievers. Despite struggling recently, Atlanta’s relievers have accrued a 1.6 fWAR (T-4th in MLB) and posted a 3.88 ERA (16th). Those marks should improve as well once they get their closer back.
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