ATLANTA -- Alex Anthopoulos signed two of the three top free-agent relievers (Robert Suarez and Raisel Iglesias) and landed the shortstop (Ha-Seong Kim) he wanted. The Braves president of baseball operations also significantly improved his lineup flexibility with the additions of an outfielder (Mike Yastrzemski) and infielder (Mauricio Dubón).
This has the makings to be a Grade-A level offseason for the Braves. But without the acquisition of a starting pitcher, it’s best to currently view the offseason as incomplete.
Could the Braves get away without adding a starting pitcher? Maybe. Would they be much better off with the addition of a frontline starter who would create much-needed insurance? Definitely.
“On paper, [our rotation] is a pretty good group,” Anthopoulos said. “But we’re trying to make sure that we are able to plan from a health standpoint with all these guys.”
Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach, Reynaldo López and a combination of Hurston Waldrep/Grant Holmes/Bryce Elder/Joey Wentz makes for a good rotation, especially if you could guarantee López’s shoulder will stay strong and Holmes will avoid elbow surgery.
Holmes, López and Schwellenbach have each made positive strides since suffering season-ending injuries this past summer. But coming off a season during which six starters missed at least five weeks, the Braves have reason to be looking at starters on both the free agent and trade markets.
Framber Valdez, Ranger Suárez and Zac Gallen are still available. But because each received a qualifying offer, by signing any of these three starters the Braves would lose the 26th overall pick in next summer’s MLB Draft and the bonus pool money attached to this pick.
Chris Bassitt is another veteran still available on the free-agent market. He’s 37, but he has also made 30-plus starts each of the past four seasons.
Bassitt’s age may make him a better fit than the other free agents, who are looking for the long-term commitment the Braves would like to avoid giving veteran pitchers. Yeah, Anthopoulos showed some interest in Aaron Nola. But the two seasons that have followed have given the Braves reason to be thankful the veteran hurler ended up signing a five-year deal with the Phillies two winters ago.
As for some potential trade options, American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal (Tigers), MacKenzie Gore (Nationals), Freddy Peralta (Brewers), Mitch Keller (Pirates), Kris Bubic (Royals) and Nick Pivetta (Padres) have been reported as hurlers who could be moved this winter. Edward Cabrera had been a possible option, but the Marlins dealt him to the Cubs on Wednesday.
The Braves improved their farm system with the addition of some upside position players during last summer’s Draft and they have some intriguing young arms in their system. But for now, it’s best to assume they won’t be in on Skubal or Gore, who will both command a king’s ransom.
Other options:
- Keller is a backend starter and the Pirates are seemingly wanting a return in value more in line for a No. 2 or No. 3 starter.
- As for Bubic, the Royals may only deal him if they can get the right position player in return.
- If the Padres acquire another starting pitcher, they might look to move Pivetta this winter. But for now, it feels like the veteran will at least start the season in San Diego.
More likely option:
Peralta: The 29-year-old righty has been a pillar of consistency while making 30-plus starts and constructing a sub-4.00 ERA for the Brewers each of the past three seasons. His value rose as he constructed a career-best 2.70 ERA in 33 starts for Milwaukee last year. There’s an expectation the Brewers will move the veteran before he enters his walk season.
There are a number of teams that would be interested in acquiring the veteran hurler before he becomes a free agent at the end of the 2026 season. Would the Braves be willing to part ways with a young pitching prospect and possibly one of their few position player prospects? Maybe, especially when you consider how the past two seasons negatively impacted their once promising bid to be MLB’s team of the decade.
Wild Card:
José Berríos: The 31-year-old, two-time All-Star has made 30-plus starts each of the past four seasons for the Blue Jays and he posted a sub 4.00 ERA in two of those seasons. He might be the odd man out as the AL champs prepare to enter 2026 with Dylan Cease, Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, Trey Yesavage and Cody Ponce in their rotation.
Berríos had a 3.65 ERA in 2023 and a 3.60 ERA in 2024. He had a 3.52 ERA through his first 19 starts this season before ending with a 4.17 ERA. He might not be a difference maker, but there’s value in the 30-plus starts he has provided on an annual basis.