As the Atlanta Braves gear up for the 2026 season, they're eager to shake off the past two years of postseason absence, marred by injuries and a bit of bad luck. Optimism is in the air, but the team has already hit a bump with He-Seong Kim sidelined for 4-5 months due to a hand injury. The rotation, however, is where the real concern lies.
The Braves are being nudged by insiders to consider a trade for Joe Ryan, a standout pitcher with a 3.42 ERA from the Minnesota Twins, to bolster their rotation. Zachary D.
Rymer from Bleacher Report highlights the urgency, noting that while the Rangers might see Ryan as a luxury, the Braves view him as a necessity. With Chris Sale at 36 and a rotation riddled with uncertainty due to offseason inactivity and early injuries, Atlanta is in a bind.
Currently, the Braves' rotation features Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, and typically Spencer Schwellenbach, AJ Smith-Shawver, and Hurston Waldrep. However, injuries have sidelined those last three, leaving significant gaps. Reynaldo Lopez, Grant Holmes, and Bryce Elder round out the healthy options as Spring Training kicks off, but another reliable starter is crucial.
Joe Ryan, at 29, is fresh off an All-Star season and remains under club control through 2027, making him a prime trade target. However, he's dealing with some lower back inflammation, which might not be serious, but it's a gamble for a team already battling injuries.
The Braves need to fortify their rotation this spring, and acquiring Ryan could be a game-changer. Pairing him with Sale, Strider, and using others as depth could transform the Braves' rotation into a World Series contender.