The Atlanta Braves have aspirations of returning to the MLB playoffs in 2026. If they hope to do so, this is a very important offseason. Atlanta has already made a notable move by re-signing reliever Raisel Iglesias. Pierce Johnson is another right-handed reliever who is currently a free agent.
Amid the slew of roster moves on Wednesday, Braves reporter Dave O’Brien spoke with the president of baseball operations, Alex Anthopoulos, who gave an injury update on right-hander Joe Jiménez. Jimenez recently had a “cleanup” procedure on his knee.
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Joe Jiménez Missed All Of 2025 With a Knee Injury
Joe Jiménez missed all of 2025 after having surgery on his knee. Alex Anthoupolus indicated that Jimenez recently had a procedure on that knee; the timeline is unclear at this moment regarding his progress, and he won’t know more until the end of December.
This is sure to raise some question marks about his availability for the start of next season, but for now, Atlanta should approach the offseason as if they won’t have the former All-Star reliever in Jiménez.
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA РSEPTEMBER 30: Joe Jim̩nez #77 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the eighth inning of game two of a doubleheader against the New York Mets at Truist Park on September 30, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Edward M. Pio Roda/Getty Images)
Despite being an All-Star back in 2018 with the Detroit Tigers, Jiménez’s 2024 season with the Braves is the best in his career. He posted a 2.62 ERA in 68.2 innings, while striking out 82 batters.
In his two seasons with Atlanta, the 30-year-old reliever has a 2.81 ERA in 125 innings. He is currently on a three-year, $26 million deal that is set to run out following the 2026 season. It would be a tough break for the Braves if Jiménez is unable to give the Braves many innings this season, as that would mean the $26 million contract mostly went to waste.
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Braves Dealing With Several Injuries In the Pitching Staff
Joe Jiménez isn’t the only Braves pitcher whose injury status is up in the air headed into next season. Starter Grant Holmes partially tore his UCL last season, and AJ Smith-Shawver underwent Tommy John Surgery last season. Smith-Shawver is likely to miss the entirety of next season, but Holmes may return if healthy and rehab goes well.
Starter Reynaldo Lopez is also dealing with a shoulder injury, and it’s unclear what the status on his injury is.
The prolonged “unknown” with Jimenez’s knee injury only highlights the Braves’ needs. They remain in the market for a starting pitcher, and need another leverage reliever to pair with Daysbel Hernandez.
Resigning Raisel Iglesias is a start, but if the Braves want to contend again next season, it will take more spending.
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