Braves’ Offseason Focus Sharpens: Rotation Help Remains the Missing Piece
With most of their offseason boxes already checked, the Braves are zeroing in on what might be their final - and most important - need: bolstering the starting rotation. While the current group has talent and depth on paper, the injury history across the board makes it hard to feel fully secure heading into a 162-game grind. In today’s game, where pitching injuries are more norm than exception, relying on a “good enough” rotation just doesn’t cut it for a team with championship aspirations.
The Braves do have internal options, but there’s a real conversation to be had about whether those arms can hold up over the long haul. One name that continues to surface in trade chatter is Bryce Elder.
He’s a serviceable back-end starter, but without minor league options, his value becomes a bit of a roster puzzle. That kind of profile can make him a trade chip - not necessarily a centerpiece, but a useful piece in a larger deal.
The challenge, of course, is finding the right arm. Atlanta isn’t just looking for another innings-eater.
They’re aiming high - a true impact starter. That narrows the field significantly and pushes the conversation into two difficult arenas: the trade market or the top tier of free agency.
Free agency comes with its own complications. Signing one of the bigger names likely means forfeiting the 26th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft.
That’s not a decision any front office takes lightly, especially one that values long-term sustainability as much as this one does. The cost-benefit analysis becomes layered: How much is an ace worth today, and what’s the long-term price in terms of both dollars and lost prospect capital?
Among the available options, Dylan Cease stands out as one of the few who might justify that kind of investment. But he’s not a free agent - he’s a trade target.
And trade markets, particularly for frontline starters, are notoriously tough to navigate. Availability isn’t always clear, and the asking price in prospects can fluctuate wildly depending on demand.
That said, the Braves’ front office has earned a fair amount of trust when it comes to trades. They’ve shown a knack for identifying value and executing deals that pay off both short- and long-term. So while the path to acquiring a top-tier starter is murky, there’s confidence that the decision-makers in Atlanta know how to thread that needle.
Around Braves Country
Meanwhile, the Braves continue to do their homework on the upcoming draft, with an eye on the No. 9 overall pick. One name drawing interest is Tyler Bell, a prospect who could fit into the organization’s long-term plans depending on how the board shakes out.
In the front office, the team added a respected voice behind the scenes, bringing in veteran catcher Martin Maldonado as a Special Assistant for Major League Operations. Known for his defensive acumen and deep understanding of the game, Maldonado adds another layer of experience to the Braves’ baseball brain trust.
The Braves aren’t done yet - and if history is any guide, they’ll make their next move count.