The Atlanta Braves are aiming to get back to the postseason in 2026, making this a crucial offseason. They’ve already made one significant move by bringing back reliever Raisel Iglesias, while fellow right-hander Pierce Johnson remains on the market.
On Wednesday, during a busy day of roster activity, Braves reporter Dave O’Brien spoke with president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos, who provided an update on right-hander Joe Jiménez. According to Anthopoulos, Jiménez recently underwent a knee “cleanup” procedure.
Joe Jiménez Missed the Entire 2025 Season
Jiménez didn’t pitch at all in 2025 after knee surgery, and Anthopoulos revealed that he recently had another procedure on the same knee. The team won’t have a clearer picture of his recovery until late December, leaving serious doubt about his availability for the start of 2026. For now, the Braves must plan as though their former All-Star will not be ready.
Jiménez was an All-Star with the Tigers in 2018, but his best season actually came with Atlanta in 2024, when he posted a 2.62 ERA and struck out 82 over 68.2 innings. Across two years with the Braves, he owns a 2.81 ERA in 125 innings. He’s in the second year of a three-year, $26 million contract that runs through 2026, making his uncertain status a potentially costly setback.
Multiple Pitching Injuries Complicating the Braves’ Plans
Jiménez isn’t the only question mark on the staff. Grant Holmes partially tore his UCL in 2025, and AJ Smith-Shawver had Tommy John surgery and is expected to miss the entire 2026 season. Reynaldo López is also working through a shoulder issue with no clear timeline.
The growing list of pitching injuries only reinforces Atlanta’s needs this offseason. The club is still seeking a starting pitcher and another high-leverage reliever to complement Daysbel Hernández.
Re-signing Iglesias helps, but if the Braves hope to contend in 2026, it’s clear they’ll need to continue spending and reinforcing the staff.