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As the Atlanta Braves approach the offseason, addressing their starting rotation is a top priority, especially with significant uncertainty looming for 2027. Injuries have consistently hampered the Braves in recent years, and the rotation has been a persistent weak spot. While it wasn't their ultimate downfall, the starting pitching remained a thorn in their side throughout the 2026 campaign.
Looking ahead to 2027, only a few pitchers are considered locks for the rotation. Chris Sale is firmly established as the ace, and Bryce Elder and Grant Holmes are expected to be in the mix. However, beyond that trio, questions abound. Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach, and Hurston Waldrep all battled injuries in 2026 and cannot be relied upon to pitch in 2027, according to The Athletic's Jesus Cano.
Key Analysis
With so much uncertainty, the Braves are expected to be aggressive in adding pitching help. CBS Sports' Matt Snyder projects that Atlanta will sign left-hander Trevor Rogers. Snyder notes that the Braves won the division last season despite a slew of pitching injuries, but the rotation is filled with question marks. While Strider and Schwellenbach are part of the future, Sale is entering his age-37 season and has a club option for 2028 before free agency. Signing Rogers would provide immediate help and depth, and if it's a long-term deal, it would give Atlanta an option to take over as the top lefty once Sale departs.
Rogers had a resurgence with the Baltimore Orioles in 2025 but delivered a more modest performance in 2026, finishing with a 10-11 record. He played under a $6.2 million contract last season. The Braves have an opportunity to make a solid addition by bringing in a pitcher who can consistently take the ball and make his starts—a reliability that has been lacking in Atlanta recently. Rogers could eventually become Chris Sale's successor as the top left-handed option in the rotation.
Originally reported by yahoo.