The Angels’ bullpen is starting to falter, revealing that their impressive performance in June may have been more of an outlier than a true reflection of their ability. While the group isn’t in complete collapse, they’re clearly trending downward and would benefit from reinforcements—especially considering they’re tied for the most innings pitched so far this month.
In July, the bullpen has posted a 4.95 ERA (21st in MLB), a 5.42 FIP (23rd), a 1.35 WHIP (18th), a troubling 2.02 home runs per nine innings (25th), a 57.2% first-pitch strike rate (25th), and opponents are hitting them for a .774 OPS (21st).
As usual, the relief pitcher market is strong and expected to be active at the trade deadline. The Tampa Bay Rays recently acquired Bryan Baker, effectively setting the bar for top bullpen arms.
Conveniently for the Angels, the Atlanta Braves appear likely to trade one of their premier relievers due to several internal factors—and he just happens to be a former Angel who could seamlessly return and make an immediate impact.
This hypothetical Braves-Angels trade could atone for past Perry Minasian sin
Angels Receive: RHP Raisel Iglesias and OF Jarred Kelenic
Braves Receive: RHP Robert Stephenson and LHP Jake Eder
The Angels’ former closer is on an expiring contract, making him a typical trade candidate for a team like Atlanta. According to FanSided’s Robert Murray, the Braves are aiming to contend in 2026 and see keeping Chris Sale and other controllable long-term assets as key to returning to the playoffs.
While the reliever’s season stats aren’t especially impressive—he has a 4.67 ERA and 4.26 FIP, and was removed from the closer role two months ago—he’s quietly turned things around. He hasn’t allowed an earned run in his last 12 outings, with the last run against him coming on June 5. His season-long 40:7 strikeout-to-walk ratio also stands out.
One of Perry Minasian’s worst moves as Angels GM may have been trading this reliever to his former team, the Braves, at the 2022 deadline for Jesse Chavez and Tucker Davidson. At the time, Kenley Jansen was Atlanta’s closer. The Angels essentially dumped one of baseball’s best relievers to save money. Chavez was quickly cut and rejoined Atlanta, while Davidson is now playing overseas.
As for Jarred Kelenic, he’s been stuck in Triple-A all season and doesn’t seem to be in the team’s long-term plans. He would represent a clear upgrade over players like LaMonte Wade Jr. and Gustavo Campero, and could even form a platoon with Jorge Soler in right field.
The Braves are focused on building a stronger team for 2026, and Robert Stephenson could fit into that vision. Including him in a trade would free up the Angels’ payroll for next year while giving the Braves a potential replacement for the reliever. Stephenson missed all of last season and most of this one but is expected back soon and should be fully ready for 2026.
Atlanta’s starting rotation has been decimated. Chris Sale is sidelined until at least late August with a fractured rib, and Spencer Schwellenbach may be done for the year due to a fractured elbow. Also on the 60-day IL are AJ Smith-Shawver and Reynaldo López. Over the past two weeks, Atlanta has had to rely on makeshift starters like Spencer Strider, Grant Holmes, Didier Fuentes, Bryce Elder, and even Aaron Bummer in an opener role. The Angels’ Jake Eder could step in and eat innings for the struggling Braves—he’s no slouch and was just added to the Angels’ roster.
And, just for fun, the Braves could toss Jesse Chavez into the deal again for comic relief around the league.
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