Brad Hand

The Atlanta Braves have declined a mutual 2024 option on reliever Brad Hand.

Fantasy Impact

While Hand surely would have picked up his side of his $7 million mutual option, it's no surprise the Braves declined their end given his 5.53 ERA between the Braves and Rockies, including a 7.50 ERA in 20 outings in Atlanta. He is only one season removed from a 2.80 ERA in 55 appearances with the Phillies in 2022 so he could see some interest on the open market, even after a down 2023 campaign.

The Colorado Rockies have traded reliever Brad Hand to the Atlanta Braves.

Fantasy Impact

Hand, 33, is enduring his worst season since being converted to a full-time reliever in the 2016 season. The left-hander owns a 4.54 ERA in 40 outings but his 3.82 SIERA and 26.1% K% suggest that he could see some improvement in an environment not named Coors Field.

Brad Hand has agreed to a one-year, $2 million deal with 2024 club option for $7 million with the Colorado Rockies according to Ken Rosenthal.

Fantasy Impact

Hand will immediately assume a high-leverage role at the back end of the Colorado bullpen, albeit while playing his home games at hitter-friendly Coors Field. The veteran left-hander was solid for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2022, posting a 1.33 WHIP with 38 strikeouts and five saves in 55 relief appearances.

Brad Hand tossed a perfect ninth inning for the Phillies Friday, striking out one and earning his fifth save of the season in the Phillies' 7-4 win over the Pirates.

Fantasy Impact

Hand has held opponents scoreless in five of seven August relief appearances, posting a 1.29 ERA with five strikeouts in that span. The 32-year-old left-hander has been excellent all season, posting a 1.16 WHIP and 1.86 ERA with 32 strikeouts in 47 relief appearances this season. Fantasy managers will just need to temper expectations, as Hand does not regularly receive save chances in a bullpen that likes to mix and match depending on the situation and the opponent.

Brad Hand pitched a perfect ninth inning against the Cardinals on Friday to earn his fourth save of the season.

Fantasy Impact

As usual when Hand earns a save, Seranthony Dominguez pitched the eighth inning against the heart of the lineup. That means that Hand should continue to factor into the saves situation, but usually only when Dominguez needs to be used earlier in those circumstances. Nevertheless, Hand now has a 2.33 ERA and 1.19 WHIP, and is an excellent option in saves plus hold leagues, and a decent option in deeper mixed leagues with standard positions.