The Atlanta Braves are entering an offseason in which starting pitching will be a major priority, with so much uncertainty surrounding the rotation for 2027. Last season, injuries plagued the Braves once again.
However, several of those injuries were significant and could become a problem heading into the 2027 season. For that reason, only a handful of pitchers currently have a good chance of securing a spot in the rotation.
“While it wasn’t their downfall in the end, the starting rotation has been a constant thorn in the Atlanta Braves’ side for multiple seasons now. For 2026, it was no different. As the page turns to 2027, it’s to see how it shakes up. There will be at least one guarantee. Chris Sale is the ace. You probably guarantee that Bryce Elder is in the mix, too, along with Grant Holmes. After that, we’ll see what happens,” SI’s Harrison Smajovits wrote.
There are several major arms whose availability and potential impact next season remain uncertain.
“The Atlanta Braves enter another offseason trying to solve the same puzzle: how to enhance their starting rotation. In 2026, they hoped Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep were the cavalry needed to solve the issues. But all three dealt with injuries and can’t be counted on to pitch in 2027,” The Athletic’s Jesus Cano wrote.
With so much uncertainty surrounding the rotation, the Braves are expected to be aggressive in addressing their pitching needs. CBS Sports’ Matt Snyder believes Trevor Rogers will sign with Atlanta.
“The Braves were hit with a litany of pitching injuries last season and still won the division, but there are a ton of question marks here. Spencer Strider and Spencer Schwellenbach are on that list for sure, but what about Chris Sale? He’s heading toward his age-37 year and there’s a club option for 2028 before he hits free agency. Grabbing Rogers here provides immediate help, depth and — assuming it’s a long-term deal — an option to take over as the top lefty once Sale is out,” Snyder wrote.
Rogers had a resurgence with the Baltimore Orioles during the 2025 season but turned in a more modest performance this past year. The left-hander finished with a 10-11 record. He could eventually become Chris Sale’s successor as the top left-handed option in Atlanta’s rotation.
Rogers played under a $6.2 million contract last season with the Orioles. The Braves have an opportunity to make a solid addition here, bringing in a pitcher who can consistently take the ball and make his starts. That kind of reliability has been an issue for Atlanta in recent years.
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