Braves Bolster Roster: Atlanta Adds Pitching Depth and Catching Talent in Major Moves
In a strategic move to bolster their roster ahead of the 2025 MLB season, the Atlanta Braves have selected right-handed pitchers Enyel De Los Santos and Héctor Neris, along with catcher Drake Baldwin, to their major league lineup. This decision underscores the organization’s commitment to enhancing both their pitching depth and catching options as they aim for another successful season.
Enyel De Los Santos, a 29-year-old right-handed pitcher, has had a journeyman career across multiple MLB teams. In the 2024 season, he played for three different organizations, reflecting both his adaptability and the challenges he’s faced in securing a permanent spot. His 2024 statistics indicate areas for improvement, particularly with an ERA of 5.20 and rankings in the lower percentiles for pitching run value and expected ERA. Despite these numbers, the Braves see potential in De Los Santos, likely valuing his experience and the depth he can provide to the bullpen.
Héctor Neris brings a wealth of experience to the Braves bullpen. At 35, Neris has been a reliable reliever throughout his career, known for his splitter and ability to handle high-leverage situations. His addition is expected to strengthen the middle relief corps, providing stability and mentorship to younger pitchers. Neris’s track record suggests he can be a pivotal figure in tight games, a quality the Braves will undoubtedly rely on during the long season.
Drake Baldwin: A Promising Young Catcher Drake Baldwin, a 24-year-old catcher, has shown promise in his minor league tenure. In the 2022 season, splitting time between Low-A Augusta and the Florida Complex League, Baldwin posted a .258 batting average with five doubles and 15 runs across 24 games. His ability to perform both as a catcher and designated hitter adds versatility to the Braves roster. Baldwin’s progression through the minors has been closely watched, and his promotion reflects the organization’s confidence in his development and potential contribution at the major league level. With injury’s to Catcher Sean Murphy moving Baldwin to the major league roster makes sense.
These roster moves come at a critical juncture as the Braves finalize their Opening Day lineup. The inclusion of De Los Santos and Neris addresses the need for depth and experience in the bullpen, a crucial component for any team with postseason aspirations. Baldwin’s promotion provides additional options behind the plate, ensuring that the team has both defensive reliability and offensive potential from the catching position.
Furthermore, the Braves have been active in the free-agent market, recently signing outfielder Alex Verdugo to a one-year, $1.5 million contract. Verdugo, who struggled offensively with the New York Yankees in 2024, batting .233 with 13 home runs, will start the season at Triple-A Gwinnett. This signing indicates the Braves strategy of building depth and fostering competition within the team. But is this the right depth that the braves should be focusing on?
As Spring Training concludes, the Braves management is making calculated decisions to ensure the team is well-rounded and prepared for the challenges of the upcoming season. The integration of seasoned veterans like Neris, alongside emerging talents such as Baldwin, reflects a balanced approach aimed at immediate success and long-term sustainability.
With Opening Day on the horizon, the Braves’ fans have reason to be optimistic. The team’s proactive approach in assembling a competitive roster demonstrates their commitment to building upon past successes and striving for excellence in the 2025 season. Will it be enough though? With so many more questions ahead for this team.
