BREAKING: Braves resign familiar face to add needed bullpen depth

Right now, the biggest area of uncertainty on the Atlanta Braves’ roster is the bullpen. While other positions also have question marks, several bullpen spots remain open, and the team still needs to define the roles of its high-leverage relievers, especially with Joe Jiménez sidelined.

So far, the bullpen competition has mainly been shaped by roster cuts, with more fringe contenders being let go, including two on Saturday. However, the Braves’ front office has a tendency to search for low-cost options in the spring—particularly bringing back familiar faces.

Although Jesse Chavez has already moved on, another reliever the Braves like to keep in reserve has returned, as Atlanta has signed Jackson Stephens to a minor league deal.

Braves bring back Jackson Stephens again on a minor league deal

It’s always interesting how many of the same minor league depth pieces find their way back to the Braves each season, and Jackson Stephens is a prime example. Since 2022, Atlanta has signed, designated for assignment, and re-signed him multiple times. At times, it seemed like he might carve out a permanent role, but it never quite materialized.

While his current deal doesn’t appear to come with an immediate invite to spring training, the Braves will likely keep an eye on him. With so much uncertainty in the bullpen, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Stephens get some opportunities in spring training games, even without minor league options, as Atlanta looks to evaluate all possibilities.

Given the Braves’ bullpen situation, Stephens is most likely to start the season in Gwinnett rather than competing for a major league spot right away. The team understands the importance of building minor league pitching depth to handle the demands of a long season. This move seems more like a contingency plan than a push for an immediate bullpen role.