Braves fans, this one stings. Max Fried — the lefty who’s been a cornerstone of Atlanta’s pitching staff for eight solid seasons — just slipped into pinstripes with an eight-year, $218 million contract.
Before anyone collapses into a heap of despair, let’s be real here: that’s a lot of money for a pitcher heading into his 30s. There’s a pretty good chance that the contract doesn’t age gracefully, but even if the deal’s a bit bloated, seeing Fried in a Yankees uniform will feel wrong.
Still, the reality is this: the Braves are now staring at a rotation that’s suddenly got more holes than a screen door in a hurricane. Let’s break it down.
Spencer Strider? Sure, he’s a stud — but he’s also recovering from elbow surgery. It’s anybody’s guess how quickly he shakes off the rust. Chris Sale? Yeah, he’s fresh off a Cy Young campaign, but his track record with injuries could make a grown man sweat. And Reynaldo López? The guy has talent, but durability isn’t his middle name.
Where do the Braves go from here?
They need a new ace-level arm. The kind of addition that doesn’t just patch the rotation but injects it with some adrenaline. There are a few in-house options like AJ Smith-Shawver and Bryce Elder, but relying solely on them feels like playing with fire. Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos isn’t in the business of just competing — he’s in the business of winning. And after last season’s disappointment, the pressure’s on to deliver something big.
Now, let’s imagine the perfect world. A dream rotation for 2025 that has Braves fans breathing easy again. What does the ideal rotation look like?
Spencer Strider – Cy Young Caliber If Healthy
If his rehab goes smoothly, Strider’s still the guy you want leading the charge. He was the NL Cy Young favorite at the start of 2024 for a reason. Electric stuff, high strikeout rates — everything you’d want from your ace. He’ll just need a little time to get back to full throttle.
Chris Sale – Braves Cy Young Winner
There’s a bit of “hold your breath” here, but this guy didn’t win the 2024 NL Cy Young by accident. Sale reinvented himself in Atlanta, proving he can still dominate. Of course, durability is a concern at 35, but his peak is still elite. If he’s healthy, the Braves are in business.
Reynaldo López – Braves Reliever Turned Starter
The situation surrounding Reynaldo López is quite the story. Who saw this coming? The reliever-turned-starter found another gear in 2024, posting a jaw-dropping 1.99 ERA. Regression might be looming, but López earned every bit of that All-Star nod. If he can stay healthy, he’s a solid mid-rotation piece.
Roki Sasaki – International Superstar
This is where things get interesting. Sasaki, the Japanese phenom, is the crown jewel of international prospects. Since his salary is capped at around $7 million annually, the Braves can absolutely afford to get in on the action. Sure, there’s talk he might lean toward the West Coast, but Atlanta’s winning culture and elite development program could be the hook. Sasaki’s got the kind of ace potential that could change everything.
Spencer Schwellenbach – The Rookie Star
Finally, there is a glimmer of hope from within. Schwellenbach made a solid impression as a rookie, posting a 3.35 ERA and showing poise beyond his years. At just 24, he’s got the tools to be a dependable back-end starter. He could become a true postseason weapon as he continues to develop, too.
Can The Braves Make This Happen?
The Braves can’t fully control Strider’s recovery or Sale’s health. But one thing they can control is going all-in on Roki Sasaki. Anthopoulos has shown he’s willing to make bold moves, and this would be a statement. Bringing Sasaki to Atlanta wouldn’t just fill the hole Fried left, it would lay the foundation for the future.
Braves fans, take heart. Losing Fried hurts, no doubt. But the window for contention is still wide open. With a couple of smart moves and a little luck, Atlanta’s 2025 rotation could be something to fear once again.
