Let’s talk about a name Atlanta Braves fans haven’t heard much from in a while—Ian Anderson. Just a few years ago, this guy looked like a future ace.
He was dealing in the 2020 playoffs, shined in 2021, and played a big role in the Braves’ World Series run. And now? Well, now he’s just hoping for a spot in the rotation. Baseball can be brutal.
From Rising Star to Unexpected Struggles
Anderson burst onto the scene with a dominant rookie campaign in 2021, proving he had the stuff to be a reliable starter.
But the following season, things started to unravel. His ERA ballooned to 5.00, his control issues worsened—he led the league in walks at one point—and by the end of 2022, he found himself in Triple-A.
Injuries only made things worse, and Anderson was out of the MLB picture just like that. He hasn’t thrown a big-league pitch since.
A Second Chance with the Braves
But baseball is all about second chances, and Anderson is getting one—maybe his last one—with the 2025 Braves. With Max Fried and Charlie Morton gone, the Braves have some rotation spots up for grabs.
We know Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, and Spencer Schwellenbach are locked in. But beyond that? Wide open competition. That’s where Anderson comes in.
He’s got experience on his side, but he’ll have to prove he can still be effective. His main competition? Grant Holmes, AJ Smith-Shawver, and Bryce Elder.
And with Spencer Strider expected to return in late April, the Braves will need stability in the rotation early in the season. If Anderson wants to reclaim his spot, now’s the time.
Can Anderson Recapture His Old Form?
The good news? Anderson says he’s mentally stronger after everything he’s been through. He told SB Nation’s Grant McAuley that the struggles and injuries have made him more resilient.
“Looking forward to coming to camp, feeling healthy and competing,” Anderson said. “There’s a good opportunity here, so I’ve just got to go out and do what I can do and hopefully get back to where I know I can be.”
And if he can stay healthy and get his command back, there’s still a path for him to be a key part of this rotation.
Spring training is next. That’s where Anderson must show the Braves he’s still got it. If he can, it could be one of the best comeback stories of the year.
If not? Well, the Braves may have to move on. Either way, it’s going to be fascinating to watch.
