Let’s talk about the biggest wild card in the Atlanta Braves 2025 season. You might think it’s Matt Olson bouncing back from a down year, or maybe Michael Harris II is making a leap into MVP contention. Maybe you’re even eyeing rookie pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach as the next big thing.
But according to Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer, the real x-factor for the Braves isn’t any of those guys—it’s right-hander Ian Anderson.
Ian Anderson’s Road Back to the Braves
If that name feels like a throwback, you’re not alone. Anderson was a massive part of Atlanta’s 2021 World Series run, posting a 1.59 ERA in the playoffs and showing the kind of poise on the mound that made Braves fans think he’d be a rotation staple for years.
But then came 2022—a season full of struggles—followed by Tommy John surgery that wiped out his last two seasons entirely. Just like that, Anderson went from postseason hero to forgotten man.
But Anderson is back. And not only is he back, but he’s also pitching well. He’s allowed just one earned run through eight innings in Spring Training. And with Max Fried and Charlie Morton not in the Braves rotation to start 2025, Anderson suddenly has a real shot at reclaiming his place in Atlanta’s starting five.
The Braves Rotation Needs Answers
So why is Anderson such a crucial piece of the puzzle? The Braves already have a solid foundation with Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, and Schwellenbach. Ace Spencer Strider is expected to return at some point. But with Fried and Morton gone, Atlanta needs two more reliable arms.
According to The Athletic’s David O’Brien, Anderson is likely to be one of them—partly because he’s out of minor-league options, but mostly because he’s proving he belongs.
If Anderson does lock down a rotation spot and delivers quality innings, the Braves might not feel the sting of losing Fried and Morton nearly as much as expected.
A bounce-back season from him wouldn’t just be a nice story. It could be the difference between Atlanta having a solid rotation and having an elite one.
Can Anderson Reclaim His Old Form?
The biggest question now is whether Anderson can sustain this success over a full season. His track record suggests it’s possible—he’s been dominant on the biggest stage before.
Consistency will be key after two years away from the majors. If he can command his pitches and avoid the struggles that plagued him in 2022, the Braves could find themselves with one of the best rotations in baseball yet again.
For a team with World Series aspirations, Anderson’s return isn’t just a feel-good comeback story—it might just be the piece that keeps Atlanta on top.
