Braves Hunt for Playoff-Ready Starter as Rotation Shapes Up

This article recaps how the Atlanta Braves are navigating their starting pitching future as spring training unfolds.

Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos discusses the ongoing search for a frontline starter. He also shares updates on key injuries and the emerging group of internal candidates who might anchor the rotation if free-agent or trade options don’t materialize right away.

Frontline starter pursuit continues amid injury updates

The Braves still want to add a true ace to their rotation. Encouraging medical news about Grant Holmes and Reynaldo López has eased a few concerns, but not all of them.

Anthopoulos says the club’s exploring every avenue—free agents, trades, and internal options. They want to shore up the top of the rotation, plain and simple.

Initially, the team pictured a trio of top starters: Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, and Spencer Schwellenbach. Schwellenbach’s elbow surgery has definitely changed those plans, though.

Holmes has a partial UCL and flexor tendon tear, but he’s felt good in camp. He might end up as a swingman if they need him.

López’s status is still up in the air. The Braves are watching his injury risk as spring games get closer.

This rotation could shift in a hurry if one or two things break their way. That’s just the reality right now.

Shifting rotation plans after Schwellenbach’s surgery

Spencer Schwellenbach had arthroscopic surgery to remove bone spurs from his right elbow. That procedure opened the door for other rotation options.

The 2024 plan shifted from a presumed elite trio to a more flexible setup. Now, both internal candidates and outside hires have to prove they can handle a frontline workload.

Schwellenbach’s out until at least June. The Braves suddenly have fewer guaranteed anchors, so the next wave of arms in camp matters more than ever.

Current candidates to anchor the rotation

The Braves’ depth strategy hinges on evaluating internal options who can step into meaningful roles right away or later in the season.

Bryce Elder, Joey Wentz, and Hurston Waldrep are the main names chasing the fifth starter spot. Waldrep’s drawn attention after a standout live batting practice session that hinted at some real potential.

Elder and Wentz have a different kind of leverage because they’re both out of options. That makes them stronger candidates to start the season in Atlanta—they can’t be sent down without being exposed to waivers.

Anthopoulos emphasized how valuable rotation depth is, especially with the questions around Holmes and López. The team’s still open to adding help through free agency or trades.

The current trio—Elder, Wentz, and Waldrep—each brings something unique. The Braves are keeping their options open if a true upgrade shows up.

• Bryce Elder — out of options, a strong candidate to start the season in Atlanta if no major move happens.
• Joey Wentz — also out of options, another plausible opening-day starter with upside and a ceiling that could justify a season-long role.
• Hurston Waldrep — has frontline potential and impressed in live-action reps, making him a wild card to join the rotation sooner rather than later.

Strategic moves and potential additions

The Braves are keeping an eye on free agents and possible trades that could shake up the rotation. Lucas Giolito and Zac Gallen are high-ceiling targets who could push Elder or Wentz out if Atlanta decides to invest in a true ace for several seasons.

Anthopoulos says any addition would have to make sense long-term and fit with the club’s goal of keeping a deep, flexible bullpen and farm system.

Prospects JR Ritchie and Waldrep might join the Atlanta rotation during the season if they keep trending up. That would give the Braves more depth and some clear internal options to reach the majors.

Even if Schwellenbach returns later in the year, the Braves plan to stay proactive. They’ll keep looking for trades or free-agent options throughout spring training, weighing all that against injury risks for Holmes and López.

What to watch this spring

As spring games roll on, keep an eye on these headlines. They’ll shape how the Braves handle their rotation:

• How Holmes and López are feeling—and whether their health shakes up the early-season plan
• Will Waldrep or Ritchie push for a surprise promotion to the majors sooner than expected?
• Could the Braves snag a big-name free agent or swing a trade that instantly boosts their starting depth?

Atlanta’s chasing robust rotation depth and a steady frontline arm to back a loaded lineup. Anthopoulos seems to be keeping his spring training plans open, and honestly, the team’s pretty open about wanting upgrades—free agency, trades, whatever works. They’ll be watching health, performance, and risk as Opening Day creeps closer.

 
Here is the source article for this story: As Braves figure out rotation, they’re looking for a ‘playoff starter’