If there’s one constant in the offseason personnel moves by the Atlanta Braves (so far), it’s the need to acquire pitcher velocity.

By replacing softer-throwing relievers like Collin McHugh (avg FB velocity = 91.3), Kirby Yates (93.6), Jackson Stephens (93.0), and Brad Hand (92.6) with imports Jackson Kowar (96.9), Reynaldo López (98.2), and Aaron Bummer (94.4), Atlanta’s added an element of pure gas to their bullpen that they didn’t have in recent seasons.

Combine that with the return of Tyler Matzek (2021 avg velo = 96.0) and the promotion of relief prospect Daysbel Hernández (2023 AAA average = 96.2 mph), the Braves bullpen is a lot more dangerous with regards to pure velocity.

The signing of reliever Reynaldo López from the White Sox came with an additional wrinkle – he’s going to be stretched out to start. At worst, he becomes a multi-inning relief option, while if it works, you add another quality starting pitcher at a discount.

In the same vein, Atlanta should consider signing free agent pitcher Shintaro Fujinami. Originally signing as an international free agent with the Oakland Athletics, he struggled initially in his acclimation to MLB, eventually being moved to the bullpen by Oakland after only seven starts and then was traded to the Baltimore Orioles at the trade deadline.

On the full season, Fujinami’s stats…aren’t great. 7-8 record, 7.18 ERA in 79 total innings.

But when you dig into what he actually did, there’s reason to belief that Fujinami could be successful in a new environment.

First is his exceptional velocity – the 6’6 righty’s frame harnesses pure gas, throwing fastballs at an average of 98.4 mph, 97th percentile in all of MLB, and he touched 103 in relief late in the year.

The second is his most prominent secondary – the splitter. The same pitch thrown by top prospect Hurston Waldrep, Fujinami’s comes in at greater than 90 mph and is an absolute weapon.