Is Charlie Culberson a genuine bullpen option for the Atlanta Braves in 2024?

Charlie Culberson has shockingly good stuff, but should the Braves give him a chance in Spring Training?

This summer, Atlanta Braves fans were left wondering what happened to Charlie Culberson, who seemed to vanish. He didn’t play in another game until mid-September after signing a minor league contract in August, and it wasn’t as a position player. As it turned out, he was training to be a pitcher.

At first sight, it appears preposterous that a 34-year-old journeyman utility player would even attempt to move positions, but Culberson’s conversion to the mound was not something the Braves were accepting as a favor.

Despite his 4.91 ERA in 3.2 innings in AAA this year, Culberson may have a lethal pitch mix that the Braves should examine this Spring Training.

What this article does not argue
Before I explain why I believe Charlie Culberson might be more than just fan service for the Braves bullpen in 2024, I’d like to emphasize what the piece is not arguing for.

It’s not being argued that Culberson will be a top-tier, high-leverage reliever.
It is not being argued that Culberson will have an ERA of 2.50 or lower.
It is not being argued that Culberson will be an All-Star pitcher.
There is little doubt that Culberson is the missing element that will lead the Braves to another title.
Great teams still require pitchers who can produce important innings in low-leverage situations, and Charlie Culberson could be a cheap, low-leverage option who can surprise teams in the same manner that Jesse Chavez and Dylan Lee have done in recent years.