Building on their aggressive early offseason moves to bolster the bullpen and infield, the Atlanta Braves are now targeting a starting pitcher to mitigate injury risks in their rotation, as emphasized by president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos.
The Braves have already signed relievers Robert Suarez and Raisel Iglesias, shortstop Ha-Seong Kim, outfielder Mike Yastrzemski, and infielder Mauricio Dubón—moves detailed in prior coverage that committed over $106 million to address 2025 shortcomings.
However, the starting rotation remains a vulnerability. The group includes Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach, Reynaldo López, and depth options Hurston Waldrep, Grant Holmes, Bryce Elder, and Joey Wentz. Anthopoulos acknowledged, “On paper, [our rotation] is a pretty good group,” but stressed, “we’re trying to make sure that we are able to plan from a health standpoint with all these guys.”
Last season, six starters missed at least five weeks, with Holmes, López, and Schwellenbach recovering from injuries. To add insurance before spring training, the Braves eye free agents like Framber Valdez, Ranger Suárez, and Zac Gallen (noting draft pick forfeiture) or veteran Chris Bassitt, who has delivered 30-plus starts reliably at age 37.
Trade targets include Detroit's Tarik Skubal, Washington's MacKenzie Gore, Milwaukee's Freddy Peralta (2.70 ERA in 33 starts, likely moved pre-walk year), Pittsburgh's Mitch Keller, Kansas City's Kris Bubic, San Diego's Nick Pivetta, Miami's Edward Cabrera, and potentially Toronto's José Berríos. While the improved farm system offers trade chips, elite arms like Skubal or Gore may prove too costly. A mid-rotation addition like Peralta would provide essential depth.
