Atlanta Braves president and chief executive officer Derek Schiller (left) talks to relief pitcher Luke Jackson (77) during the World Series ring presentation. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Which Atlanta Braves players from the 2022 roster will be missed by fans in 2023? Let’s take a look at a pair of pitchers and a position player who have moved on to other teams.
When the Atlanta Braves open the 2023 season on March 30 in Washington against the Nationals, there will be some changes to the roster that earned the Braves their fifth consecutive National League East title with an incredible comeback to bypass the New York Mets for the division crown.
Sure, roster turnover happens every offseason, but it’s still tough for fans who had their favorites move on to other teams. With that in mind, here are three Atlanta Braves free agents who left this winter that the fans will miss.
Luke Jackson will be missed by Atlanta Braves fans
OK, technically Jackson didn’t pitch for the Braves last season, undergoing Tommy John surgery at the very start of the season. However, his contributions to the team earning the 2021 World Series title certainly can’t be underscored.
The right-hander bounced back from a 6.84 ERA/4.37 FIP/1.975 WHIP in 26.1 innings in 2020 to become a trusted arm out of the bullpen in 2021. In 63.2 innings over 71 games, Jackson logged a 1.98 ERA/3.66 FIP/1.162 WHIP. He then allowed just one hit over 3.2 innings in the World Series victory over the Houston Astros, striking out four of the 12 batters he faced.
Jackson is scheduled to return sometime this season and will be wearing a San Francisco Giants jersey when he does, inking a two-year, $11.5 million contract in early January.