With two arms potentially leaving the mix, the Atlanta Braves starting rotation for 2025 could look quite different. Max Fried and Charlie Morton have reached the end of their contracts, leaving their time with the team uncertain.
Fried, one of the top left-handed pitchers on the market, could be highly sought after in free agency. While Morton, who turns 40, may be considering retirement after a long and successful career. The Braves will need to fill two spots in the rotation with these two potentially gone. So, what could this revamped rotation look like?
The Updated Rotation
Let’s start with the names that are already locked in. Chris Sale, who was acquired and then extended, is under contract for 2025 with a club option for 2026. Sale will likely be slotted in as the ace of the rotation, bringing his veteran presence and pitching prowess to anchor the staff. Another lock is Reynaldo López, who surprised everyone with an All-Star season. López still has two more years on his contract, ensuring his place in the rotation for 2025.
Then there’s the rookie phenom Spencer Schwellenbach, who had a breakout season in 2024. With plenty of team control remaining, Schwellenbach is another certainty for the Braves’ rotation. His performance in his debut year solidified his role, but given his inexperience, he’s not likely to step into the No. 2 spot just yet.
The Wild Card: Spencer Strider
Spencer Strider, recovering from an elbow injury, adds an interesting layer to the Braves’ 2025 rotation plans. Strider’s status is still up in the air, but if he returns healthy, he should easily slot in as the No. 2 starter behind Sale. His power pitching and ability to rack up strikeouts make him a game-changer when he’s on the mound, and he could turn the Braves’ rotation into a fearsome unit once again.
With Strider included, the Braves rotation could look like this:
- Chris Sale
- Spencer Strider
- Spencer Schwellenbach
- Reynaldo López
- (Open)
Who Fills the Final Spot?
The last rotation spot is where things get interesting. The Braves have a handful of in-house options to choose from. Ian Anderson, who spent 2024 getting back to full strength, has been in the rotation before and could compete for a starting job.
Bryce Elder, a past All-Star, had a rough season in 2024 but still brings potential. Grant Holmes showed flashes in his rookie season and could see some opportunities, while A.J. Smith-Shawver, the team’s No. 2 prospect, also figures into the conversation, assuming he returns healthy from his own injury.
There’s also Hurston Waldrep, a highly-touted prospect who struggled in his brief major league stint but showed promise in Triple-A. If Waldrep continues his development, he could challenge for a spot in the starting rotation as well.
Starting Rotation External Additions?
The Braves might also consider using their freed-up payroll from losing Fried and Morton to add a free-agent pitcher. While the odds seem low, given their internal options, it’s not out of the question. A big name like Corbin Burnes, Shane Bieber, or Jack Flaherty could be available if the Braves decide to make a splash. And for a one-year flyer? Maybe a call to Max Scherzer could be in the cards. Though Scherzer battled injuries last season, Atlanta has a knack for squeezing value out of aging veterans.
It’s clear that the Braves have plenty of options heading into 2025. While the potential loss of Fried and Morton leaves some big shoes to fill, the combination of established veterans like Chris Sale and rising stars like Spencer Schwellenbach offers hope for continued dominance.
Whether they dip into free agency or rely on their deep pool of young arms, the Braves are set to remain competitive. Expect to see plenty of competition in Spring Training as Atlanta works to finalize its starting rotation for another postseason push.
