The Colorado Rockies have made a move to strengthen their bullpen, trading veteran left-hander Jake McGee to the Atlanta Braves. The move comes as the Rockies look to bolster their bullpen for the upcoming season.
McGee, 32, has been a reliable arm in the Rockies’ bullpen since joining the team in 2016. He has posted a 3.64 ERA over the past three seasons, with a career-high 2.66 ERA in 2018. He has also been a reliable strikeout pitcher, averaging 8.9 strikeouts per nine innings in his career.
The move gives the Braves a reliable arm in their bullpen, which was an area of need for the team. McGee will join a bullpen that already includes A.J. Minter and Shane Greene, giving the Braves a formidable trio of left-handers.
The Rockies, meanwhile, will receive minor league pitcher Bruce Zimmermann in return for McGee. Zimmermann, 24, is a left-hander who has posted a 3.95 ERA in four minor league seasons. He is expected to compete for a spot in the Rockies’ bullpen this spring.
The move is a win-win for both teams, as the Braves get an experienced reliever to bolster their bullpen and the Rockies get a young arm with potential to help them in the future. It remains to be seen how McGee will fare in Atlanta, but it’s clear that the Rockies are looking to improve their bullpen for the upcoming season.
