The Braves’ offseason outlook starts with one clear issue: the rotation still needs help.
Atlanta got through the regular season with a steady enough run, but the postseason exposed the biggest concern in the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chris Sale remains the ace, but the rest of the group comes with real uncertainty, and that’s where the conversation turns this winter.
Mark Bowman of MLB.com pointed to Bryce Elder and Grant Holmes as pitchers who could have meaningful roles next season, but he also made the case that Atlanta may need to keep shopping. As Bowman wrote, “But when you account for the questions beyond Sale, Holmes and Elder, there’s reason to argue the Braves may need to add two starters this winter,” Bowman wrote in a recent article.
That idea makes sense given the state of the rotation. Spencer Strider and Spencer Schwellenbach were once viewed as sure things, but both are now dealing with injury uncertainty. If Atlanta wants dependable depth, adding at least two starters would be a logical move.
There’s even a case for going further and bringing in three. Holmes and Elder can be part of the answer, but extra arms would give the Braves more room to breathe over the long season.
The encouraging part for Atlanta is that the rest of the roster still looks strong. The bullpen has potential, and the lineup is loaded with star position players. But the starting pitching decisions this offseason could end up shaping how successful the Braves are in the 2027 campaign.
Atlanta has work to do, and the pitching staff is at the center of it. Whether the Braves fix those concerns will go a long way toward determining what comes next.
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