Atlanta continues to strengthen its bullpen with the addition of Reynaldo Lopez
The Atlanta Braves continue to revamp their bullpen this offseason with the addition of Reynaldo Lopez on a three-year deal worth $26 million. The deal also includes an $8 million club option for 2027 that has a $4 million buyout.
The Atlanta #Braves today signed RHP Reynaldo López to a three-year contract: pic.twitter.com/XQCNn9d2hB
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) November 20, 2023
Lopez spent time with the White Sox, Angels and Guardians in 2023. He appeared in 68 games while posting a 3.27 ERA and a 3.91 FIP in 66 innings. Lopez is a hard thrower who averaged more than 11 strikeouts per nine last season which was a career-best.
Lopez will make $4 million in 2024 and $11 million in each of the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
While Atlanta continues to look for a starter, they have quietly reinforced their bullpen behind closer Raisel Iglesias and setup man A.J. Minter. The Braves began the offseason by inking both Joe Jiménez and Pierce Johnson and then trading for lefty Aaron Bummer. The team is also expected to get back Tyler Matzek for the 2024 campaign after he missed the 2023 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery.
There is also a chance that Lopez could help out in the rotation. The AJC’s Justin Toscano reports that Lopez will prepare as a starting pitcher this winter and will be stretched out during the spring.
Interesting note on late-inning reliever Reynaldo Lopez: He’ll 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.
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) November 20, 2023
Lopez has 97 career starts under his belt and spent two seasons in the White Sox’s rotation.
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Title: Braves sign Reynaldo Lopez to a three-year, $26 million deal
Author: Kris Willis
