The 2025 Braves Rotation: A Glimpse into a Healthier 2026 Season
The Pitching Woes of 2025
The 2025 season for the Atlanta Braves was a rollercoaster ride, with the pitching rotation serving as a silver lining during a slow period for the offense. However, the season took a turn when the majority of the starting pitchers went down with injuries, leaving the team in a state of uncertainty. The loss of ace pitcher Chris Sale, who was transferred to the 60-day IL list due to a fractured rib cage, and Spencer Schwellenbach, who landed on the IL with a fractured right elbow, was a significant blow to the team's morale and performance.
The Rise of Hurston Waldrep
Amidst the chaos, the Braves found a gem in Hurston Waldrep from their farm system. Waldrep, a 23-year-old rookie, astonished Braves country with a stellar first full month as a major leaguer in August, with a 1.01 ERA to cap it off. While he may not gain a starter position anytime soon, a permanent home in the bullpen for 2026 would do Waldrep a solid in getting the constant exposure he needs for everyday major league game situations and a deeper connection with the team to gel together for a new outlook.
The Winter Season Priorities
According to the Marietta Daily Journal and many other sources like the Athletic and MLB.com, Braves manager Alex Anthopoulos announced that the Braves' rotation, especially the bullpen, was a top priority during the winter season. Starting with Reynaldo López, who underwent arthroscopic shoulder surgery and missed most of the 2025 season, the team is looking to bring him back to his 2024 form, which would be a solid asset for the Braves' rotation.
The Ace of the Team
Is it fair to say that former Cy Young award winner Chris Sale (2.58 ERA) is the new official ace of the team? I would say so. The sigh of relief when Sale returned from the IL was apparent from the fanbase. His command and dedication to improve during unfavorable outings make him the perfect leader for the team's defense.
The Bullpen Depth
As is the case with all of the starters mentioned, the number one thing to hope for is the health of them all. However, it's not realistic to expect a 100% healthy rotation throughout the whole year. That's where a solid bullpen would come in. Grant Holmes, who achieved a remarkable stint (3.99 ERA) pitching as a primary starter, and Spencer Schwellenbach (3.09 ERA), who gained the admiration from Braves Country, are just two examples of the talent in the bullpen.
The Road to 2026
The Braves are looking forward to a healthy 2026 season after a strong first full season. However, it is crucial to keep Holmes steady in his starting position for the next year. Spencer Strider, the other Braves' slider master, is looking to reinvent his form and correct the necessary changes in what was holding him back from returning to full form going into the next season. Bryce Elder, as mentioned before, had many inconsistencies that left a distrust in his capabilities throughout the season, but when he was hot, he was a force to be reckoned with.
The Changes Start Now
Now comes the remainder of the bullpen that needs to be enhanced immediately during the offseason to prepare for any scenario going into the new year. March will be around the corner before we know it, and the lack of bullpen depth cannot be the start of another conversation surrounding the Braves once more after the season they've experienced. The changes start now. We'll talk more about it and deeper into the additions as updates arrive.
