The Atlanta Braves have been methodical and aggressive this offseason - a front office that clearly understands its championship window is wide open and acting accordingly. From roster depth to bullpen reinforcements, they've checked a lot of boxes. But if there’s one area still flashing red on the to-do list, it’s the starting rotation.
With Merrill Kelly off the board after inking a two-year, $40 million deal with Arizona, the market has made one thing clear: starting pitching won’t come cheap this winter. And with options dwindling, Atlanta will need to act decisively - and smartly - to shore up the rotation. Let’s take a look at a few of the top arms still available who could be a fit in Atlanta.
Ranger Suárez: Groundball Machine with October Cred
If the Braves are looking for a high-upside, steady-handed addition, Ranger Suárez should be near the top of their list. Over the past four seasons, Suárez has quietly put together a rock-solid résumé: a 3.59 ERA, 544 strikeouts, and a groundball rate north of 50%. That’s the kind of profile that plays well in any ballpark - especially in Atlanta, where keeping the ball in the yard is always a priority.
What really stands out is his postseason track record. Suárez owns a 1.48 ERA across 42.2 playoff innings - and that’s not a fluke.
He’s a guy who doesn’t get rattled under the bright lights, and that’s gold for a team with World Series aspirations. His fastball won’t light up the radar gun, but he knows how to pitch - limiting walks, inducing soft contact, and avoiding the big inning.
Fangraphs projects Suárez to land a five-year deal with an average annual value around $25 million. That’s a significant investment, but for a pitcher with his command, durability, and playoff poise, it could be money well spent.
Zac Gallen: High Risk, Intriguing Reward
Zac Gallen is one of the more complicated names on the market. He’s coming off a down year - a 4.83 ERA across 192 innings - and the command wasn’t quite there (66 walks). But he still made 33 starts and logged nearly 200 innings, which carries real value for a team like Atlanta that needs innings covered.
The concern? Gallen’s track record with injuries and inconsistencies.
He’s shown ace-level stuff in the past, but the volatility makes him a tough call on a long-term deal. A five-year, $135 million projection feels like a stretch for a Braves team that tends to avoid high-risk contracts for pitchers with durability questions.
But if Gallen is open to a shorter-term, prove-it deal - say, one or two years in the $20 million range - that’s a conversation worth having. Atlanta has the infrastructure to help him rediscover his form, and the upside is hard to ignore.
Michael King: Bounce-Back Candidate with Upside
Michael King flashed serious potential as a starter in 2024, but injuries derailed his 2025 campaign. Shoulder and knee issues limited him to just 15 starts last season, though he still managed a respectable 3.44 ERA over 73.1 innings.
King’s biggest issue last year was hard contact - he wasn’t missing barrels the way he did in his breakout season, and that led to a spike in home runs allowed. But the underlying stuff is still intriguing, and at age 30, there’s reason to believe he could bounce back with a clean bill of health.
For the Braves, King could be a low-cost, high-reward signing - a one-year deal that gives him a chance to re-establish himself while providing Atlanta with valuable rotation depth. It’s a gamble, but one that could pay off if he returns to form.
Framber Valdez: Durable Lefty with Groundball Dominance
Framber Valdez is another name that’s likely on Atlanta’s radar - and for good reason. He posted a 3.66 ERA over 192 innings in 2025, with 187 strikeouts and 68 walks. His groundball rate remains elite, and he’s been one of the more durable left-handers in the game over the past few seasons.
Valdez is a bit of a mixed bag - when he’s on, he’s a nightmare for hitters with his sinker-heavy approach and ability to induce weak contact. But he can also be prone to hard-hit balls when his command slips, and that’s something teams will weigh carefully.
While signs point to Valdez landing elsewhere, it would be surprising if Atlanta hasn’t at least kicked the tires. He fits the mold of what they like: a lefty with playoff experience, a strong groundball profile, and the ability to eat innings.
The Bottom Line
The Braves have done a lot of good work this offseason, but adding another quality starter could be the move that takes them from contender to favorite. With the market heating up and prices climbing, the front office will need to decide how aggressive they want to be - and how much risk they’re willing to take.
Whether it’s the steady hand of Suárez, the high-upside gamble on Gallen or King, or a splashier play for Valdez, Atlanta has options. The key now is making the right call - one that complements their existing core and keeps them in the thick of the title hunt in 2026.