Let’s talk about this Atlanta Braves rotation because it’s got more question marks than an episode of Jeopardy. There’s a lot of potential here, but potential doesn’t always get you through 162 games of pure grind. The top three look promising, but when you peek behind the curtain, things feel slightly shaky. Atlanta needs to bring in one more starting pitcher according to Joel Reuter.
A Shaky Top Three: Talent Meets Uncertainty
Let’s kick things off with Chris Sale. This guy was lights out last year. Seeing him snag the 2024 NL Cy Young Award and many others was a treat. But let’s not forget the medical chart that follows him like a bad habit. Sale staying healthy in 2024 was more of a pleasant surprise than a guarantee. You hope it holds, but it’s like keeping a vase on a rickety shelf—sooner or later, it will wobble.
Next, we’ve got Reynaldo López. Big transition back to starting after years in the bullpen, but that move isn’t exactly easy on the body. Fatigue set in, and boom, two trips to the IL last season. He’s undoubtedly got the talent, but stamina and durability are still TBD.
Then there’s Spencer Schwellenbach, the fresh face on whom Braves fans are pinning their hopes. He’s got all the tools, but—and it’s a big but—he hasn’t pitched a full year’s worth of innings since his draft day. Banking on him to cover a full starter’s load in 2025 is optimistic.
Who Fills the Gaps? The Braves’ Rotational Roulette
And now we come to the real pickle: who fills out the rest of this rotation? You’re looking at guys like AJ Smith-Shawver, Bryce Elder, Ian Anderson, and Grant Holmes battling for a spot. Sure, one of them could break out, but relying on two of these unproven arms? That’s like betting your paycheck on a coin flip—risky business.
The Nathan Eovaldi Solution—or a Familiar Face?
Enter Nathan Eovaldi. This guy is the definition of a reliable veteran. He’s durable and battle-tested in the postseason, and he’s not gonna demand a six-year mega-deal like Max Fried would. Eovaldi on a 2-3 year contract?
That’s the kind of move the Braves love. Practical. Dependable. But the free-agent pitching market is insane right now. If Luis Severino can fetch $67 million for three years, Eovaldi’s price tag could hit $80-90 million. That might just be a bridge too far for Atlanta’s budget.
So, what’s the more likely scenario? Yep, you guessed it: a familiar face. Bringing back Charlie Morton on a one-year, $20 million deal just makes too much sense. It’s a short commitment, and Morton’s steady hand could keep the rotation afloat. It might not be the exciting splash fans hope for, but sometimes stability is just as attractive.
The Fifth Braves Starter: A Competition Worth Watching
As for the fifth starter? Grant Holmes is looking like a solid candidate. The guy quietly put up a 3.56 ERA over 68.1 innings in 2024, doing whatever the Braves asked of him. If there’s an open competition in spring training, Holmes probably has the inside track.
Of course, there are other arms in the mix: AJ Smith-Shawver, Bryce Elder, Ian Anderson, Hurston Waldrep, Allan Winans, and Dylan Dodd. A crowded field, but not exactly a gold mine of sure bets.
Bottom line? The Braves need someone with proven experience to step in and stabilize this rotation. Whether it’s Eovaldi, Morton, or a surprise trade, they can’t afford to rely solely on hope and optimism. Otherwise, this rotation could end up looking a lot less like a sturdy bridge and a lot more like a house of cards waiting to topple.
