Regarding Major League Baseball, the phrase “out of sight, out of mind” rings especially true for players who spend a significant chunk of time on the sidelines. This is true for every team in the MLB including the Atlanta Braves.
Fans move on, skeptics question whether a player will ever bounce back, and sometimes, it feels like the sport itself keeps spinning without missing a beat.
Ian Anderson: From Promising Ace to Out of Sight
This reality has been all too familiar for Atlanta Braves pitcher Ian Anderson. Once seen as a cornerstone of the Braves rotation, Anderson has quietly faded into the background over the past couple of years.
But now, as we approach the 2025 season, whispers of a comeback are getting louder. Fans and analysts all know what he was capable of, the question is can he get back to full form and remain consistent at the MLB level.
The 2022 Downturn and Tommy John Surgery
Let’s not forget how promising Anderson was not so long ago. Between the 2020 and 2021 seasons, he posted a stellar 3.25 ERA.
Even delivering a memorable performance in the 2021 World Series with five no-hit innings in Game 3. This wasn’t just potential—we saw it in action.
Unfortunately, 2022 was a different story. His performance dipped, and by early 2023, he underwent Tommy John surgery, a dreaded yet all-too-common obstacle for pitchers.
A Quiet Return to the Braves in 2024
Fast forward to 2024, and Anderson quietly worked his way back, posting a respectable 3.44 ERA in 15 Triple-A starts during his rehab.
Yet, despite injuries ravaging the Braves’ pitching depth late in the season, Anderson stayed in the minors. It’s clear the organization wasn’t ready to pull the trigger on his return. But 2025 may not give the Braves much of a choice.
As beat writer Mark Bowman points out, Anderson is now out of minor league options, meaning the Braves have to make a call: put him on the major league roster or let him go.
Why Ian Anderson Could Be in the Braves’ 2025 Plans
The case for Anderson is strong. He’s got postseason experience, undeniable talent, and the potential to re-establish himself in the Braves’ rotation.
Yes, there are question marks about his pitch mix—particularly the consistency of his breaking pitches and spin rate—but those are issues that can be worked on.
If Anderson had made meaningful adjustments during rehab, the Braves could have been looking at a guy who still can thrive in the big leagues.
Braves Internal Competition and External Options
That said, Anderson’s spot in the Opening Day rotation is far from guaranteed. The Braves have internal options like AJ Smith-Shawver and Bryce Elder, both of whom could make a compelling case for a starting role.
Plus, Atlanta clearly isn’t done exploring outside options—just look at their attempt to sign Jeff Hoffman. While that deal fell through, it’s a signal that the organization isn’t fully sold on what they’ve got in-house just yet.
Will Ian Anderson Make the Braves’ Rotation?
Ultimately, Anderson’s fate may come down to timing. Anderson could get his shot if the Braves stand pat or injuries pop up.
But if the team adds more depth between now and Spring Training, the former postseason hero might find himself on the outside looking in.
Still, his talent and determination make him an intriguing piece of Atlanta’s 2025 puzzle—and don’t be surprised if he ends up proving that he’s far from forgotten.
