The Atlanta Braves aren’t just tinkering around the edges this offseason-they're building with purpose. With the 2026 season in sight, the front office has made it clear: this is a team aiming to compete at the highest level, and they’re not wasting any time filling the gaps.
Coming into the winter, the Braves had three key areas circled on their offseason checklist: shortstop, bullpen depth, and the starting rotation. So far, they’ve checked off two of those boxes in convincing fashion.
The additions of Raisel Iglesias and Robert Suarez have fortified the bullpen, giving Atlanta a reliable late-inning duo that can shorten games and take pressure off the rotation. At shortstop, the acquisition of Ha-Seong Kim brings a versatile glove and a solid bat to the infield, offering both defensive stability and offensive upside. These moves aren’t just about plugging holes-they’re about upgrading with intent.
But there’s one piece still in play: the starting rotation.
General Manager Alex Anthopoulos recently acknowledged that the Braves are actively exploring ways to bolster their starting staff. Whether that means dipping back into free agency or swinging a trade, the goal is clear-add an arm capable of starting a playoff game.
“We’ve explored the starting rotation, adding and getting some type of starter, whether that’s trade or signing,” Anthopoulos said. “We’d like for it to be someone impactful, someone we think can start a playoff game.”
That’s not just GM-speak. That’s a signal that Atlanta isn’t just looking for back-end innings-eaters-they’re in the market for a difference-maker.
One name that’s surfaced in trade discussions is Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Freddy Peralta. And if the Braves are serious about adding a high-upside arm without gutting their farm system, Peralta could be the perfect fit.
Financially, he’s on a team-friendly deal, with a club option for 2026 at just $8 million. That gives the Brewers flexibility, and it opens the door for a trade if the return is right. For the Braves, that could mean putting together a package centered around promising arms like Hurston Waldrep and Blake Burkhalter-two talented pitchers who could entice Milwaukee without forcing Atlanta to part with top-tier prospects like Cam Caminiti or JR Ritchie.
From the Braves’ perspective, the calculus is simple: if Peralta can be more than just a rental-if there’s a path to an extension-this is the kind of move that could elevate the rotation from good to great. He’s the type of pitcher who can take the ball in October and give you a real shot to win. That’s exactly what Atlanta is looking for.
Of course, there’s risk involved. If Peralta doesn’t re-sign, the Braves would be giving up valuable young talent for what could amount to a one-year push. But Anthopoulos has shown time and time again that he’s willing to make bold moves when the payoff is right-especially when it comes to impact pitching.
The Braves are already in a strong position heading into 2026. Their core is intact, the bullpen is deeper, and the lineup remains potent.
But adding an arm like Peralta to the rotation? That could be the final piece of the puzzle.
It’s not about making a splash. It’s about making a statement. And if the Braves land Peralta, that statement will be loud and clear: they’re not just planning to contend-they’re planning to win.