With the trades of MacKenzie Gore and Freddy Peralta now in the rearview, the Braves’ path to adding a frontline starter this offseason just got a whole lot narrower. Atlanta, a team that’s never been shy about making bold moves under GM Alex Anthopoulos, suddenly finds itself staring at a thinning market - and the price tags for top-tier arms are climbing fast.
The packages it took to land Gore and Peralta were steep, the kind of prospect-heavy deals Anthopoulos has typically avoided. That leaves free agency as the most realistic path forward, but even there, the options are limited - and complicated.
Let’s break down the remaining names that could still move the needle for the Braves, starting with the one who entered the offseason as arguably the top arm available.
Framber Valdez: The Steady Ace Still Waiting
It’s been surprisingly quiet on the Framber Valdez front. For a pitcher with his résumé - 28+ starts in four straight seasons, a 3.21 ERA over that span, and a proven postseason track record - you’d expect a bit more buzz. Yet here we are, deep into the offseason, and Valdez remains unsigned.
There’s been some speculation that a midseason incident in which he intentionally crossed up his catcher may be giving teams pause. But let’s be real: players with elite stuff and consistent production don’t stay unemployed for long.
Valdez is going to get paid, and likely in the $200 million range. That’s probably a bit rich for the Braves, who’ve historically shied away from nine-figure deals for pitchers.
Still, Valdez’s durability and postseason pedigree make him one of the more intriguing names left on the board - even if Atlanta isn’t the one writing the check.
Zac Gallen: A Risky Bet with High Reward Potential
Zac Gallen is another arm that hasn’t drawn the level of attention you might expect, and in his case, it’s all about timing. Had he hit free agency a year earlier, he’d have been one of the most sought-after pitchers on the market. But a rough 2025 season - capped by a career-worst 4.83 ERA - has cooled the market considerably.
The big question with Gallen is whether last year was the beginning of a decline or just a one-year dip. He’s still just entering his 30s, and the upside is undeniable.
If a team believes he can recapture his Cy Young-contending form, Gallen could turn into a steal. But that’s a big “if,” and it’s likely to keep his price tag in a range that makes teams think twice.
Chris Bassitt: The Braves’ Kind of Move
Now here’s a name that makes sense for the Braves on a number of levels: Chris Bassitt. He checks all the boxes that Anthopoulos tends to look for - veteran presence, consistent production, and most importantly, a willingness to sign a short-term deal. Bassitt isn’t flashy, but he’s reliable, and he fits the mold of previous Braves additions like Charlie Morton.
Of course, this approach isn’t without its risks. For every Morton, there’s a Cole Hamels - a signing that didn’t pan out and left the rotation scrambling. Still, Bassitt’s track record suggests he could be a stabilizing force at the back end of the rotation, especially if the Braves are looking to add depth without breaking the bank.
Lucas Giolito: High Upside, High Risk
Lucas Giolito is one of the more intriguing wild cards on the market. After missing all of 2024 due to InternalBrace surgery - the same procedure Spencer Strider underwent - he returned in 2025 and looked sharp, posting a 3.41 ERA over 26 starts with the Red Sox. Unfortunately, elbow soreness cut his season short before the playoffs, though the good news is he avoided another surgery and is expected to be ready for Opening Day.
There’s no denying the risk here. But if Giolito can stay healthy, he offers legitimate upside at what could be a bargain price. For a team like the Braves, who are always looking for value plays with potential to outperform their contracts, Giolito might be worth the gamble - especially if the bigger names are out of reach.
Where the Braves Go from Here
With the trade market thinning and the top-tier free agents commanding massive deals, the Braves find themselves in familiar territory - looking for smart, strategic additions that don’t compromise their long-term flexibility. Anthopoulos has made a living finding value in places others overlook, and that’s likely the route Atlanta will take again.
Whether it’s a steady veteran like Bassitt, a bounce-back candidate like Giolito, or a surprise move that no one sees coming, the Braves still have options. Just don’t expect them to overpay or panic. That’s not how this front office operates - and with a core as strong as Atlanta’s, they don’t have to.