Atlanta Braves Extended Jim Johnson, What’s That Mean For Closer Job?

Braves Extended Contract of Johnson

The Atlanta Braves have announced that they have extended the contract of right-handed pitcher Jim Johnson for two additional years.  The 33-year-old has definitely pitched well enough this season to be rewarded with this contract.

In 2016, JJ holds a 3.11 ERA with 66 strikeouts and 20 walks in 64 games.  He has 19 saves for the Braves this year, two blown saves and eight holds.  This is a great resign for the Braves and kinda a no brainer.

The 11-year veteran has pitched very well during his second tenure in Atlanta.  He was in Atlanta for the first half the season in 2015 until he was traded to the Dodgers.  He resigned with the Braves this past offseason.

So What’s This Mean For 2017?

Johnson has been the Braves 9th inning guy for Atlanta since early in July.  Arodys Vizcaino was the man for the first half of this season, but a couple injuries derailed his season.  He was out from July 15 to August 18 and then was shut down for the season after an August 24 outing.  The shoulder injury has limited his season, but he did appear in an instructional league game on September 26.

Vizcaino still has a very high ceiling and could still be a very good pitching.  Vizzy was fantastic out of the bullpen in 2015 and hopefully the 25-year-old can get back to that level.  2017 will be the first year of arbitration eligible and won’t be a free agent until 2020.

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So who do the Braves give the closer job to?

Looking on paper, I think Vizcaino should be the man in 2017, but after this season the Braves have to reward Johnson with the closer job.  Obviously, we are so far away from the 2017 start and many things can happen.

My perfect scenario would be Vizzy gets back to his 2015 status and is the 9th inning guy.  This would leave Johnson for the 8th inning.