Braves could add former All-Star reliever with 2.45 ERA, but there's a catch

The Atlanta Braves have been knocked down over and over again this season. But now, more than ever, they appear to be primed for a playoff push.

After sweeping the Minnesota Twins at Target Field, the Braves sit at 73-60, four games clear of the rival New York Mets for the final National League playoff spot. In spite of countless injuries, the Braves are finally beginning to hit their stride.

The playoffs, however, are a different beast. Having lost in the NLDS in back-to-back seasons against the hated Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta has revenge on its mind as it tries to win a second World Series title in the first half of this decade.

Having lost valuable reliever A.J. Minter for the season, the Braves could use one last lefty arm to truly solidify their contender status. And as luck would have it, one just became available for general manager Alex Anthopoulos to pursue.

As first reported by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the San Francisco Giants placed lefty reliever Taylor Rogers on waivers Wednesday night. Rogers is allowed to remain on San Francisco's active roster, but any of the other 29 teams can now claim him on his current deal.

Rogers, 33, is having one of the best seasons of his career to this point. An All-Star closer with the Minnesota Twins in 2021, Rogers now works in a setup role in San Francisco, where he has posted a 2.45 ERA and 10.3 K/9 in 51 1/3 innings this season.

Though he pitches in a bullpen right now with his twin brother Taylor, Rogers would likely relish the chance to join the Braves and pursue a World Series ring. But Atlanta would have to eat a hefty price tag.

Because Rogers is under contract for 2025, the Braves would have to absorb the remaining $1.9 million of his 2024 salary, plus the $12 million he is owed next season. Undoubtedly, Atlanta could use a lefty, but would they go for one so high-priced?

If Anthopoulos and his team are feeling bold, Rogers would be a fantastic addition to a bullpen that is likely to see a lot of big lefty bats in October. And they'll have to act fast, because a player must be on an active roster by Saturday to become postseason-eligible.

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