Alright, Braves fans, let’s talk about what’s happening—or rather, what isn’t happening—this offseason. The Atlanta Braves have been quiet in the free-agent market, with spring training creeping up fast.
This leaves many wondering if they’re simply betting on better luck in the health department rather than shaking things up. And honestly? That strategy makes some sense.
Injuries hit the Braves hard last season, so getting back a fully healthy Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuña Jr. might feel like a bigger boost than any flashy free-agent signing could provide.
But let’s not pretend everything is set in stone here. Because when you look at the rotation, there’s one glaring issue: depth.
The Braves Rotation Needs Help
Max Fried? Gone. Charlie Morton? Also gone. The rotation will run a little thin until Strider is fully back from elbow surgery.
Right now, the Braves are leaning on Chris Sale and Reynaldo López to help carry the load, but that group could use another veteran arm to avoid overworking the bullpen or scrambling if another injury pops up.
That’s where The Athletic’s Chad Jennings thinks a name like Kyle Gibson could be useful.
Kyle Gibson: Not an Ace, but a Workhorse
Now, let’s be real. If you’re looking for an ace, Gibson isn’t your guy. The 37-year-old righty isn’t shutting down lineups left and right, but what he does offer is something that’s almost as valuable—stability.
Last season, he put up a decent 4.24 ERA, which isn’t mind-blowing but is certainly serviceable, especially when you factor in his ability to eat innings. And in today’s game? Innings are currency.
Here’s the key stat: Gibson has never thrown fewer than 147 innings in any season since 2014. He’s made at least 30 starts seven times, meaning he’s the kind of reliable, no-drama arm that could keep the Braves rotation from falling apart if injuries reappear.
Is Gibson Worth the Investment?
So, what would it take to bring him to Atlanta? Spotrac projects his market value at around two years, $27 million, though at this stage of free agency, the Braves might be able to snag him for a one-year deal.
Would this be a headline-grabbing move? No. But would it be the kind of signing that quietly saves a season? It just might. Keep an eye on this one because if the Braves decide they need a little more stability, Gibson might be the answer.
