This would be a huge mistake by the Atlanta Braves

A few developments over the second half of the season should give the Braves a lot more confidence in their rotation going into 2026.

On the field, Hurston Waldrep looks like he’s turned the corner in a big way. He owns a 0.73 ERA over 24.2 innings, flashing an improved repertoire and control. Unless something shifts dramatically between now and Opening Day next season, he deserves a spot in the rotation.

Joey Wentz has also been a revelation since rejoining the Braves. There should be a little less confidence that his turnaround is sustainable, but he’s making a case for a spot on the 2026 roster.

Off the field, Grant Holmes has avoided UCL surgery for now and hopes to be ready for Spring Training. Reynaldo Lopez, who only made one start this year due to injuries, has begun throwing again and insists he doesn’t want to return to the bullpen.

If everything goes right with those four, the Braves should have no issue filling out the rotation around Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach, and Spencer Strider. But that’s just the thing, it’s highly unlikely everything goes right. In fact, it’s much more likely everything goes wrong, as we’ve seen this season.

There should be some real confidence in Hurston Waldrep moving forward. Nothing about his performance feels flukey, but the possibility does have to be acknowledged that growing pains could be in his future.

Holmes, even if healthy, is better suited for relief. The same goes for Lopez, whose durability as a starter remains unproven. And Wentz, at best, is depth. None should be counted on as core rotation pieces.

The bottom line: the Braves must invest in starting pitching this offseason. They cannot roll into 2026 banking on perfect health and peak performance from a fragile group. Problems will arise, likely several. If Atlanta fails to act, they risk wasting another year in their championship window.

Hope is not a strategy. Money talks. It’s time for the Braves to go all-in on their rotation.

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