The Atlanta Braves are digging through MLB’s bargain bin still. This time, the player is Cal Quantrill, a once-promising starter who, at least on paper, might give Atlanta a little of that thing they’re so desperate for right now: innings. And make no mistake, innings are exactly what the Braves need.
Manager Brian Snitker has been doing his best juggling act just to keep the rotation upright, but with most of his regular arms sitting on the injured list, he’s basically working with duct tape and hope. He’d love to go to a six-man rotation, spread the burden, and keep the bullpen from imploding, but you can’t run a six-man if you don’t have six guys you trust.
Right now, he’s got maybe four. Hurston Waldrep has stepped in and done his part, flashing promise and giving Atlanta at least one bright spot. But Spencer Strider? He looks like he’s searching for answers and not finding them. Bryce Elder? His inconsistency forces the bullpen into marathon outings every time he takes the ball.
Braves Gamble on Former First-Round Pick
Enter Quantrill. Back in 2020 to 2022, he looked like the kind of pitcher that was perfect to round out any starting rotation. Over that stretch, he posted a 3.08 ERA across 90 appearances, mixing starts and relief outings. Plus, he was a former eighth-overall pick in the 2016 draft. That’s the “best-case scenario” version. The problem? We haven’t seen that guy in a long time.
Since 2023, Quantrill’s been carrying around a 5.21 ERA over 72 starts, undone by the fact that his pitches just don’t miss bats. He lives in the strike zone — which is fine — but when the hitters keep finding the barrel, the strike zone starts to look like a gift-wrapped package.
That’s why the Marlins, who aren’t exactly bursting with depth themselves, decided to cut him loose. If Miami doesn’t see value, it’s fair to wonder how much Atlanta can realistically expect here. Unfortuntately, the Braves are in a spot where they have to roll the dice. If Quantrill eats a few innings and keeps the bullpen from getting gassed, that’s already a win. If not? He’s a free agent at season’s end, and Atlanta can move on with no strings attached.
