We’re a month into the season, and it’s already becoming clear: some of the names the Atlanta Braves didn’t sign in free agency are not exactly thriving. But one name? One name is popping — and fast.
Heaney’s Hot Start Should Be on Atlanta’s Radar
Left-hander Andrew Heaney has been absolutely dealing for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Through five starts, he’s rocking a 2-1 record with a jaw-dropping 1.72 ERA and a National League-best 0.766 WHIP. That’s not just solid — that’s All-Star-level dominance.
And remember, this is a 34-year-old on a one-year deal with a last-place team. In baseball terms, that’s like dangling a flashing neon “TRADE ME” sign over his locker.
The Braves were in the conversation for several starters during the offseason but ultimately passed on Heaney. Now? Just Baseball’s Eric Treuden is sounding the alarm, saying Atlanta should act now before the rest of the league wakes up.
Heaney is a rental on a bargain contract — $5.25 million for the season — and could be exactly the kind of plug-and-play depth piece the Braves rotation needs in the short term.
Why Should the Braves Wait for July?
Here’s the thing — yes, Atlanta has Spencer Strider and Reynaldo López waiting in the wings. But neither is guaranteed to return and even if they do, that’s not going to happen tomorrow. This team has games to win now, and Heaney could slot in tomorrow and deliver steady, high-quality innings without disrupting the payroll or the prospect vault.
That’s the beauty of this potential move: he’s productive, he’s cheap, and he’s gettable. Pittsburgh knows they’re not competing this year, and a smart front office like Atlanta’s should be looking at this as an opportunity to buy early without paying premium prices.
Cost Control and Competitive Timing
Heaney has made over $55 million in his career, and that kind of financial background often gives a player the freedom to just focus on pitching. That seems to be the case here — he’s elevated his game in 2025, turning in a level of control and consistency that would help stabilize the Braves’ rotation through the summer stretch. And because he’s a rental, it’s unlikely he’ll cost anything close to a top-tier prospect.
The Pirates are in full “sell” mode, even if it’s still early in the season. And for Atlanta, the window of opportunity is now. Instead of waiting for the July frenzy — when prices soar and competition gets fierce — this could be the perfect low-risk, high-reward move to make in May.
The Braves don’t need to hit a home run with this trade. They just need a few good innings every fifth day. Heaney can do that. The time to move? Before everyone else figures it out.
