What’s left of the Atlanta Braves bullpen?

After a couple of rather shocking decisions on Thursday — declining the options of both Pierce Johnson and Tyler Kinley — the number of proven major-league relievers on the Braves roster is nearly non-existent.

Current Braves Bullpen Arms Under Contract

Joe Jimenez
Aaron Bummer
Daysbel Hernandez
Dylan Lee
Austin Cox
Hayden Harris
Jhancarlos Lara
Dylan Dodd
Rolddy Munoz
Jose Suarez
Joey Wentz
Hunter Stratton
Joel Payamps
Reynaldo Lopez*
Grant Holmes*

—

That’s an incredibly uninspiring group, especially when you consider a few key factors.

Joe Jimenez missed all of 2025 after undergoing knee surgery, and the Braves should know better than anyone after this past season that pitchers returning from major injuries can’t be counted on to immediately perform at their previous levels. Reynaldo Lopez and Grant Holmes are also coming off significant injuries, and there’s still a chance the Braves view them as starting pitchers.

Outside of those three, the only two players with meaningful experience as relievers are Dylan Lee and Aaron Bummer — and even Bummer missed the final month of the season with an injury.

There are a couple of prospect arms worth noting. Hayden Harris made just three appearances with the Braves last season but was electric in the minors, posting a 0.69 ERA over 43 outings. He’s likely to take on a larger role in 2026, while Jhancarlos Lara might have the biggest arm in the organization. If he can consistently find the strike zone, he has legitimate closer potential down the road.

Still, counting on either of those guys to be major contributors next season is risky business, and one that could get the Braves into trouble.

This bullpen now needs a complete overhaul, and it won’t come cheap. It’s shaping up to be a very eventful offseason in Atlanta.