Atlanta Braves' revamped roster still missing key element

The Atlanta Braves have been active in attempting to put their disappointing 2025 season behind them.

The Braves retained closer Raisel Iglesias, signing him to a one-year, $16 million contract for the 2026 season. Former Padres closer Robert Suarez signed a three-year, $45 million contract to bolster the back of the bullpen. Utility man Mauricio Dubon was acquired in a trade with the Astros and shortstop Ha-Seong Kim returned on a one-year, $20 million contract.

While the Braves have made strides in fortifying their roster, one potential weakness remains. The Braves rotation was battered by injuries, with Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach and Reynaldo Lopez spending significant time on the injured list. Spencer Strider was not himself in his return from elbow surgery and missed time with a strained hamstring. The Braves used 19 starting pitchers in total in 2025 as their pitching woes torpedoed their playoff hopes.

Atlanta Braves need more rotation depth to contend in 2026

The Braves have a strong rotation heading into the 2026 season on paper. Lopez, Sale and Schwellenbach should be healthy for Opening Day, providing a needed boost to the pitching staff. Strider will be another year removed from elbow surgery and may be able to return to form. Hurston Waldrep showed his potential in 2025, posting an impressive 2.88 ERA and a 1.189 WHIP over his 56.1 innings, striking out 55 batters with 22 walks. Grant Holmes, Bryce Elder and prospect Didier Fuentes should provide solid depth options.

However, that depth may be tested again in 2026. Sale made more than 20 starts just once since the beginning of the 2020 season — in 2024 when he won the NL Cy Young award. Lopez had converted to the rotation from the bullpen in 2024, but he may not be able to hold up under that type of workload and could be in the Braves' bullpen plans. Elder has been unable to replicate his All-Star first half in 2023, posting a 5.59 ERA and a 1.451 WHIP over 206 innings since the start of the 2024 season.

While the Braves rotation has plenty of potential, it is missing a real workhorse. However, there are options available in free agency. Framber Valdez has thrown 767.2 innings since the start of the 2022 season, the second most in the majors in that span. Ranger Suarez may not be the same inning eater that Valdez is, but he has eclipsed the 150-inning mark three times in the last four years. The Braves, meanwhile, have just one starter to surpass 500 innings since the start of the 2022 season — the recently retired Charlie Morton.

The Atlanta Braves are hoping for a rebound season and a return to the playoffs in 2026. Unless they address the rotation, those hopes may come to naught.