The Atlanta Braves are a team that always keeps fans guessing during the offseason. Alex Anthopolous is not usually one to show his hand whatsoever.
While they haven’t yet made waves in free agency, the whispers around baseball suggest they could be gearing up for a significant move. So far, their marquee acquisition has been Bryan De La Cruz, a utility outfielder who might not even crack the starting lineup.
But don’t let the quiet winter fool you—this team has the resources to make a splash, and they might just be lying in the weeds, waiting for the perfect moment.
A Strong Braves Rotation—With Room to Grow
Heading into 2025, the Braves boast an solid rotation when healthy. With Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, and Spencer Schwellenbach anchoring the staff and Spencer Strider expected to return from injury early in the season, Atlanta has a solid foundation to contend.
However, there’s an opportunity here to elevate the rotation from “very good” to “outright dominant.” Adding one more star-level starter could give the Braves a pitching corps capable of steamrolling the competition.
The Case for Jack Flaherty
Jack Flaherty is a name that’s starting to gain traction among Braves fans and analysts alike. More and more analysts, content creators, and writers are predicting Flaherty as a fit for Atlanta, and it’s not hard to see why.
Flaherty had a standout 2024, posting a 3.17 ERA and racking up 194 strikeouts over 162 innings. His ability to miss bats, combined with a fourth-place Cy Young finish earlier in his career, makes him one of the more intriguing arms on the market.
The Athletic projects Flaherty to land a four-year, $92 million contract, a price tag that might just fit within the Braves’ typically cautious spending habits.
Unlike some free agents who require decade-long commitments, Flaherty offers a blend of youth (he turns 30 in 2025) and upside without tying the team down for an extended period. This deal could make sense for a Braves organization that prioritizes value and flexibility.
Why the Braves Should Act Now
The Braves have plenty of reasons to explore Flaherty seriously. While their rotation is strong, it also has question marks. Sale’s durability is always a concern, and while López and Schwellenbach have shown promise, neither has proven to be a long-term ace.
A healthy Flaherty could slot in as the perfect complement, potentially forming the most formidable rotation in the league.
If Atlanta does decide to act, it may need to do so quickly. With other top-tier arms coming off the market and teams scrambling to solidify their rosters, waiting too long could mean missing out entirely.
Still, this franchise has shown time and again that it knows how to bide its time and strike when the deal makes the most sense.
Could Flaherty Be the Missing Piece?
Signing Flaherty wouldn’t just bolster the Braves’ rotation; it would send a signal to the league that Atlanta is going all-in for another National League pennant. With an already potent offense and a strong bullpen, an upgraded rotation could make the Braves the team to beat once again.
Whether they’re ready to flex their financial muscle remains to be seen, but if they do, Flaherty might just be the move that puts them over the top.
