Atlanta Braves Gamble on Experience, Signing Seasoned A’s Relief Pitcher Diekman for a Comeback
The Atlanta Braves, determined to bounce back from a challenging 2024 season plagued by injuries, are strategically bolstering their team depth. Despite grappling with various setbacks, the Braves managed to maintain a commendable 3.32 ERA in relief, securing the third spot across all MLB teams. Their 3.41 FIP further underscored their resilience, placing them at No. 2.
In an effort to fortify their roster, the Braves have opted to diversify their pitching staff by incorporating seasoned players on minor-league contracts. Recent reports from Justin Toscano of the Atlanta-Journal Constitution reveal that the team has extended invitations to three new players as non-roster additions for the upcoming season. Among these additions are Chad Kuhl, Jake Diekman, and Dylan Covey, each bringing a unique skill set and experience to the table.
While Kuhl is slated as a starter, Diekman and Covey are designated as relief options, with Diekman standing out as the sole left-handed pitcher in this trio. Notably, Roster Resource on FanGraphs projects the Braves to commence the season with four southpaw pitchers in their bullpen, potentially providing ample opportunities for Diekman to showcase his prowess throughout the season if he delivers solid performances.
Jake Diekman, now 38, previously showcased his talent as a member of the Oakland Athletics’ bullpen, following a trade with the Kansas City Royals in 2019. Signing a two-year deal with the Athletics, Diekman notably excelled during the truncated 2020 season, boasting an impressive 0.42 ERA (2.72 FIP) after honing his skills by adopting Chaz Roe’s slider grip, as shared in Pitching Ninja tweets. However, it is worth noting that his stellar performance in 2020 was limited to just 21.1 innings.
Subsequently, Diekman’s performance in the following season saw him maintain a respectable 3.86 ERA (4.46 FIP) across 60.2 innings of play. His journey in the 2022 and 2023 seasons involved transitions between franchises, initially signing with the Boston Red Sox as a free agent in 2022 before moving to the Chicago White Sox through a trade, where he concluded the season and commenced his 2023 campaign. Following his release from the White Sox due to a challenging start to the year marked by a 7.94 ERA, Diekman found success with the Tampa Bay Rays, showcasing a notable 2.18 ERA over 45.1 innings for the remainder of the season.
Despite a less impressive 2024 season with the New York Mets, where he pitched 32 innings and held a 5.63 ERA (6.14 FIP), Diekman’s signature slider/sweeper continued to stifle opponents with a batting average of just .107 and an expected batting average of .169. Notably, he relied on this pitch 28.9% of the time while predominantly utilizing his four-seamer at 61.2%.
Diekman’s pitching style remains characterized by his above-average fastball velocity, averaging 94.6 miles per hour, placing him in the 58th percentile among pitchers. However, a significant challenge for Diekman in the previous season was his elevated walk rate of 16.6%, ranking among the highest in the league. While historically maintaining a non-negligible walk rate, the spike observed in 2024 underscored a potential area for improvement, as it significantly impacted his effectiveness on the mound.
As the Braves gear up for the upcoming season, anticipation surrounds Diekman’s performance during training camp and official games. With his experience and skill set, Diekman’s signing could prove to be a shrewd and understated move for the club, potentially offering a valuable asset to their pitching rotation.