With most of the Braves’ offseason boxes already checked, the spotlight in Atlanta now shifts to one area that still needs attention: starting pitching. The rotation has talent, but there’s a sense that one more high-impact arm could elevate the entire group - and that’s exactly what GM Alex Anthopoulos is eyeing.
“It would be great if we could add someone that maybe slots everybody down a peg in our rotation,” Anthopoulos said recently. “Haven’t closed the door on that. Still open to it if it can present itself.”
Translation? The Braves are still in the market for a frontline starter - someone who can anchor the rotation and take pressure off the rest of the staff.
Whether that comes via free agency or a trade remains to be seen, but don’t rule out either path. While financial flexibility isn’t unlimited, Atlanta hasn’t exactly been shy with the checkbook this winter.
And with several top-tier arms still available, this could be the moment the Braves finally go all-in after a postseason exit that still stings.
Let’s break down a few of the names that could be in play - and what each could bring to Atlanta’s 2026 rotation.
Framber Valdez: The Proven Ace
If the Braves want a sure thing, Valdez is about as close as it gets. Over the past five seasons, he’s been a model of consistency: 143 starts, a 3.20 ERA, two All-Star nods, and a World Series ring. That’s not just a strong résumé - that’s frontline stuff with October pedigree.
In many ways, Valdez mirrors what Max Fried brought to the table heading into his own free agency: command, durability, and big-game experience. The difference?
Valdez is a year older, and there’s a bit of baggage. One incident - where he appeared to intentionally cross up his catcher - raised some eyebrows around the league.
For a Braves organization that places a premium on clubhouse chemistry, that’s not something they’ll gloss over. But with Astros GM Dana Brown having worked under Anthopoulos in Atlanta, the Braves should have no trouble getting the full picture.
If the intangibles check out, Valdez would be a game-changer. He’s built for a postseason run, he takes the ball every fifth day, and he doesn’t flinch under pressure.
The only real hurdle? Price.
Valdez is expected to command a hefty, multi-year deal - and that could force the Braves to pivot if the dollars don’t align with their long-term plans.
Ranger Suárez: The Underrated Winner
If you’re looking for value, Suárez might be the sneaky-good option in this class. His velocity won’t light up the radar gun - his fastball sits just over 90 mph - but his pitch mix is deep, deceptive, and extremely effective. He leans on six different offerings to disrupt timing and induce weak contact.
Over the last four seasons, Suárez has posted a 3.59 ERA across 104 starts and racked up 12.1 WAR - solid, steady production. But where he really shines is in October.
In 11 postseason appearances, he owns a sparkling 1.48 ERA. That’s not just clutch - that’s elite.
At 30 years old, Suárez is likely headed for a multi-year deal, but nowhere near the range Valdez will command. For a team like Atlanta, that could be the sweet spot: a high-floor, playoff-tested arm who doesn’t break the bank. He may not have ace-level stuff, but he pitches like one when it matters most.
Zac Gallen: The High-Risk, High-Reward Play
Gallen is one of the most intriguing names on the market - not because of what he did in 2025, but because of what he’s capable of when he’s right. Just a year ago, he looked like a lock for a nine-figure deal. But a rough 2025 campaign (4.83 ERA) and some shaky peripherals have cooled the hype.
Still, there’s a reason teams are watching closely. Gallen is only a season removed from back-to-back All-Star caliber years.
If a team believes he can bounce back, he might be the biggest bargain of the offseason. He’s expected to land a short-term deal - two or three years at $20-25 million annually - which makes him a fascinating buy-low candidate.
There’s a catch, though. Because he rejected a qualifying offer, signing Gallen would cost the Braves their 26th overall pick in next year’s draft.
For a team that values its pipeline and has already traded away some prospect capital, that’s a serious consideration. The upside is tantalizing, but the risk - both in performance and draft capital - is real.
Tatsuya Imai: The Wild Card
The Braves haven’t typically been major players in the Japanese free-agent market, but this winter feels different. Atlanta has been more aggressive than usual, and if they’re willing to swing big, Imai is a name worth watching.
He dominated in Japan’s Pacific League this past season, posting a 1.92 ERA over 163.2 innings. That’s elite production, and it’s backed by a clear upward trajectory. His walk rate has dropped each of the last four years, and his fastball - which touches 99 mph - plays well up in the zone thanks to a flat plane created by his lower arm slot.
What makes Imai especially intriguing is his pitch mix. His splitter is already considered above average, but it’s his slider that has scouts buzzing.
It moves arm-side - a rarity for a slider - and creates a unique look when paired with his fastball and splitter. It’s an unusual combo, but one that could translate well in MLB with the right development.
There’s no guarantee Imai will choose Atlanta - or that the Braves will pursue him - but if they’re looking to make a bold move, this would be it.
Chris Bassitt: The Reliable Veteran
If the Braves decide to play it safe, Bassitt is the kind of veteran who makes a lot of sense. He’s not flashy, but he’s dependable - the type of guy who shows up, takes the ball every fifth day, and gives you a chance to win.
Over the last three seasons, Bassitt has made at least 31 starts each year and posted a 3.89 ERA. That kind of durability is rare, especially for a pitcher entering his age-37 season. He also delivered in the postseason this year, allowing just one run over 8.2 innings for the Blue Jays.
Bassitt probably isn’t the kind of move that gets fans buzzing, but on a short-term deal, he’d be a smart addition. He’d stabilize the back end of the rotation and give the Braves a veteran presence with playoff experience.
Where the Braves Go From Here
The Braves don’t need to add a starter - but if they want to chase another World Series, it sure feels like they should. Whether it’s a splashy move for Valdez, a value play like Suárez, or a gamble on Gallen or Imai, there are paths to upgrade this rotation.
Anthopoulos has been clear: the door is still open. And with most of the heavy lifting done elsewhere on the roster, this could be the final piece that sets Atlanta up for another deep October run.