Insider Thinks Braves Will Sign Lefty Starter From the Rangers

February 6, 2025

Braves Targeting Rangers’ Lefty? Free Agency Buzz Heats Up

Let’s talk about this latest free-agent buzz. Once again, the Atlanta Braves are being linked to a left-handed starter, and this time, it’s Andrew Heaney.

Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller thinks the Braves should pull the trigger on signing the veteran lefty, and he’s not alone—Zachary D. Rymer has also floated the idea in the past. But is this really the move Atlanta needs to make? Let’s break it down.

Do the Braves Really Need Another Lefty Starter?

Now, reports have been floating around that the Braves are pretty much done with their offseason shopping. But until the ink is dry and rosters are locked in, there’s always room for a last-minute addition.

Miller even posed the question, “Who has the greatest 11th-hour need for a starting pitcher? Probably the Atlanta Braves, right?” And he’s got a point.

With Spencer Strider, Ian Anderson, and Grant Holmes all being right-handers, there’s certainly an argument for adding a lefty to balance things out—especially with Max Fried’s departure leaving a noticeable gap in the rotation.

Here’s the catch: if the Braves were to add another starter, they’d need someone who’s a clear upgrade over Anderson or Holmes. That’s where things get murky.

Is Andrew Heaney Really an Upgrade?

Let’s talk numbers. In 2024, Heaney posted a 4.28 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP and racked up 159 strikeouts across 160 innings.

Not bad, but not exactly game-changing, either. Spotrac projects he could land a two-year deal worth $21.6 million. Reasonable? Sure. Necessary? That’s another question.

When you consider that Grant Holmes had a 4.01 ERA in seven starts last season—and that Ian Anderson has a history of even greater upside—you have to wonder if spending over $20 million on Heaney is the best use of resources.

Depth is always a plus, and having another lefty wouldn’t hurt, but is Heaney really an upgrade? The numbers say not really.