Atlanta Braves Dip Into Free Agency, Sign Hard-Throwing Reliever

The Atlanta Braves are poised to make some big moves this offseason after clearing out several roster spots over the last week. And the re-tooling begins today, as they've dipped into the free agent market to sign hard-throwing reliever Reynaldo Lopez.

The Atlanta #Braves today signed RHP Reynaldo López to a three-year contract: pic.twitter.com/XQCNn9d2hB

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) November 20, 2023

The contract works out to $30M over three years. 

According to Braves beat writer Justin Toscano, Lopez will "prepare as a starting pitcher this winter and will be stretched out in spring training to give the Braves another option for the rotation. They think he can potentially help in both roles". Lopez began his career as a starter, but eventually settled in as a flame-throwing righty out of the bullpen.

He split last season between the Chicago White Sox, LA Angels and Cleveland Guardians, posting a 3.27 ERA with 11.3 strikeouts per nine innings, all as a reliever.

He has a 3.01 ERA as a reliever in his career (compared to 4.73 as a starter), with a WHIP of 1.07 (compared to 1.37 in the rotation).

Alex Anthopoulos continues to remake the Braves bullpen, and plenty more moves are on the way.

Photo: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports