The Braves have earned a reputation for efficiency, aggression, and clarity of vision under GM Alex Anthopoulos, and this offseason has only reinforced that image. As 2026 dawns, Atlanta’s front office has already made decisive moves to shore up one of its biggest weaknesses from the previous campaign: the bullpen. With the signings of Robert Suarez and Raisel Iglesias, the Braves now boast a late-inning corps that can go toe-to-toe with anyone in the National League. But if the bullpen was priority one, starting pitching is now clearly priority two.
Bummer’s Braves Contract Stands in the Way of the Next Big Move
And in this phase of the offseason, Atlanta’s next big swing may not come by addition, but by subtraction.
Enter Aaron Bummer, a once-promising left-hander whose value now lies more in what he represents on the balance sheet than on the mound. Bummer finished 2025 with a serviceable 3.82 ERA, but also landed on the 60-day IL to close the season. He’s shown flashes of effectiveness, particularly in inducing groundballs at an elite clip, but hasn’t been used consistently in high-leverage situations. And with a $9.5 million salary locked in for 2026, he’s become a luxury piece for a bullpen that’s already well-fortified.
If Anthopoulos wants to make a meaningful upgrade to the starting rotation, flipping Bummer’s salary could be the key.
Rotation Depth Could Make or Break Atlanta’s October Aspirations
There’s logic to this strategy. Trading Bummer clears space, not just financially, but on the active roster. More importantly, it unlocks flexibility in a market where top-tier arms like Framber Valdez, Ranger Suarez, and Freddy Peralta are still in play. While Atlanta’s payroll has already soared past last year’s mark, freeing up nearly $10 million could bridge the gap between “interested” and “committed” on a major acquisition.
Bummer’s profile isn’t without appeal, especially for data-savvy contenders like the Dodgers who value soft contact and might see upside in a low-pressure, middle-inning role. The return wouldn’t need to be significant. This isn’t about prospects, it’s about clearing the runway.
Anthopoulos Has Set the Stage, Now Comes the Final Act
Anthopoulos has built a roster capable of contending deep into October, but the rotation still raises questions. Can Max Fried stay healthy? Can Spencer Strider bounce back from late-season fatigue? With Charlie Morton retired and depth thin behind the top two, a dependable innings-eater could be the difference between another early exit and a World Series return.
The plan is clear: if the Braves want to make one more push this winter, the path forward likely starts by cutting ties with a good reliever to gain a great starter. The pieces are in place. Now it’s up to Anthopoulos to finish the puzzle.
