With all of the injuries in their starting rotation that are likely to impact at least the start of the 2026 season, the Atlanta Braves certainly need to add at least one starting pitcher this offseason. Banking on Chris Sale to both be awesome and healthy for another full season is too risky and with AJ Smith-Shawver certainly out for a big chunk (at least) of 2026 and guys like Spencer Schwellenbach, Reynaldo Lopez, and Grant Holmes being question marks, Atlanta needs to act if they don't want to end up in another early season hole.
Braves should avoid top free agent starter at all costs despite his local ties
