The Atlanta Braves' starting rotation is in the spotlight once again, and it's raising more questions than answers. With spring training underway, injuries have already started to pile up, sparking rumors about potential external signings. But here's where it gets controversial: despite being linked to high-profile pitchers like Lucas Giolito and Chris Bassitt, Gabriel Burns of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the team's interest in these players was largely overstated. According to Burns, the Braves never seriously pursued Bassitt before he signed with the Orioles, and they haven’t engaged with Giolito, who remains a free agent. So, what’s really going on here?
This situation feels eerily familiar. Injuries to the rotation were a major factor in the Braves' disappointing 76-86 record in 2025. They entered the season as contenders but were derailed by a string of injuries that left Bryce Elder as the only starter to surpass 126 innings—and even he struggled with a 5.30 ERA. Fast forward to this offseason, and general manager Alex Anthopoulos vowed to make the rotation a “point of emphasis.” Yet, despite having the funds, he’s invested heavily in other areas, signing outfielder Mike Yastrzemski, infielder Ha-Seong Kim, and relievers Robert Suarez and Raisel Iglesias to substantial deals.
And this is the part most people miss: the rotation remains a glaring vulnerability. Spencer Schwellenbach is already on the 60-day injured list with elbow inflammation, and Hurston Waldrep is now being evaluated for similar issues. The current rotation has potential, but it’s riddled with question marks. Chris Sale, the team’s ace, is nearing 37 and has a history of injuries. Spencer Strider is coming off elbow surgery and had underwhelming results last year. Reynaldo López made just one start in 2023 due to shoulder surgery, and Grant Holmes is battling a partial UCL tear.
If everyone stays healthy and performs, this group could be formidable. But that’s a massive if. The depth beyond them is equally uncertain. Martín Pérez and Carlos Carrasco are on minor league deals and lack reliability, while prospects like Didier Fuentes and JR Ritchie are unproven at the major league level.
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Anthopoulos recently stated the team is seeking a playoff-caliber starter. Yet, the Braves have yet to make a move, even as top free agents like Bassitt, Zac Gallen, and Justin Verlander have signed modest one-year deals. Is the team confident in their internal options, or are they constrained by budget limitations? RosterResource projects the Braves’ payroll at $264 million, just $4 million shy of the second tier of the competitive balance tax—a line they may be hesitant to cross.
So, what’s the play here? Should the Braves pivot and sign a reliable veteran like Zack Littell or Max Scherzer? Or is their offseason strategy a calculated risk, banking on their current roster staying healthy? And if they’re truly out of spending capacity, why didn’t they prioritize the rotation earlier?
This offseason feels like a missed opportunity, but it’s not too late for a bold move. What do you think? Are the Braves setting themselves up for success, or are they playing with fire? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
