Chapman was a blizzard of dominance in 2025. Already one of the greatest closers of his generation, Chapman posted career bests in ERA+, walk rate, strikeout-to-walk ratio, and WHIP, while posting the second-best hits-per-nine-innings rate of his career. He was outstanding. And yet... I'm not completely sold on him as we enter 2026. I was skeptical of him last year and he shoved it in my face, so feel free to ignore me.
Baumann received a signing bonus of $747,500, which was enough to lure him away from his commitment to the University of Central Florida. What were the expectations for 2025? After a solid 2024 campaign, the expectations for Baumann coming into this season were reasonably higher, especially after he posted a 3.18 ERA across 20 appearances (19 starts) between Augusta and Rome.
Daysbel Hernández has a live arm and has shown flashes of the type of stuff that could make any fan dream of him coming in during a big moment in a big game and pitching a shutdown inning in order to preserve the lead. However, he's found it pretty difficult to put it all together in terms of control and command. He also hasn't had much of an opportunity
Multiple reports have indicated that the Atlanta Braves have claimed right-handed pitcher Alexis Días off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Díaz, 28, was the closer for the Cincinnati Reds from 2022 to 2024 collecting 75 saves over those three seasons. An All-Star in 2023, he finished fifth in the National League Rookie of the Year award in 2022. Díaz struggled with a high walk rate during his time with the Reds, who traded him to the Dodgers in May.
It was a condensed Tuesday of Atlanta Braves minor league baseball, as only two affiliates were in action. Still, there was plenty of excitement to go around especially from the Rome offense who had a terrific day despite a low run output. Braves second round pick Alex Lodise hit a third inning home run, which opened the score but also marked his first foray into fence play in the professional ranks.