The Atlanta Braves have a number of questions to answer heading into the season. Atlanta's bullpen may be a strength, however. The team re-signed closer Raisel Iglesias this past offseason, while they also signed Robert Suarez. One other reliever who has been overlooked but could make a positive impact is James Karinchak.

There was a time when Karinchak looked like a star reliever with the Cleveland Guardians. Injuries have impacted him over the years, though, and he has not pitched at the MLB level in a regular season game since 2023. 

The Braves added the 30-year-old during the offseason. Karinchak is looking to make the team. He has yet to allow a run through three innings of work at spring training so far. He's also allowed only one hit and two walks, while Karinchak has recorded six strikeouts.

Of course, we do not want to overreact to three innings of work during spring training. With that being said, why is Karinchak a potential X-factor with the Braves in 2026?

The Braves will need the bullpen to be strong all season long. The starting rotation is already battling multiple injuries, so an impressive bullpen will be of the utmost importance.

Atlanta already has a respectable core of relievers, but receiving a big season from an overlooked veteran like Karinchak may cement this bullpen as one of the better ones in baseball.

Karinchak made his MLB debut back in 2019 with Cleveland. He impressed but only appeared in five games. During the shortened 2020 season, the right-handed hurler turned in a 2.67 ERA across 27 outings.

It seemed as if he was on the verge of a true breakout campaign heading into 2021. His results were up and down, however, as Karinchak had a 4.07 ERA in 60 contests. He bounced back in 2022 with a stellar 2.08 ERA in 38 games on the mound.

In 2023, Karinchak recorded a 3.23 ERA across 44 outings out of the bullpen. He was an important pitcher in Cleveland, but then the injuries started to make a significant impact in his career.

Karinchak dealt with a shoulder injury early in 2024. He ended up landing in free agency during the offseason before the 2025 campaign and signed a deal with the Chicago White Sox. Although he performed well in the minor leagues with Chicago, Karinchak was released during the season.

The Braves are now set to give him an opportunity to make the MLB roster. If he is on the Opening Day squad, Karinchak could prove to be the X-factor in the bullpen. He has found success for the most part when healthy at the MLB level.