Braves may have perfect southpaw rotation target after Cubs' shocking $53M breakup

Hunter Cookston

•
Braves may have perfect southpaw rotation target after Cubs' shocking $53M breakup image

The Atlanta Braves are coming off a horrendous season by their standards — one that left many wondering what went wrong. The team hasn’t looked this lost in quite some time, and the level of dysfunction led to blame being thrown in every direction.

“Brian Snitker is the last of the Braves’ worries, and his track record of success has earned him a lot of good grace with the organization. If he really has a desire to manage again in 2026, it’s hard to see a world where the Braves say, ‘Good riddance,’” wrote SportsTalk ATL’s Chase Irle. “If blame must be assigned, it’s hard to ignore the offseason decisions of general manager Alex Anthopoulos. Atlanta entered 2025 with glaring needs at shortstop, in the rotation, bullpen, and outfield — and none were adequately addressed.”

This offseason, one area the Braves need to prioritize is starting pitching. Beyond 2026, there are very few rotational players under contract.

“Beyond Spencer Strider and Spencer Schwellenbach, there are no clear locks for the Atlanta Braves rotation beyond 2026,” HTHB’s Chase Owens wrote.

The Braves will certainly look to add an arm this winter, though it remains unclear who that might be. One name that just became available on Tuesday is Shota Imanaga. The Chicago Cubs rejected his fifth-year player option, making him a free agent.

“Breaking Cubs news: Lefty starter Shota Imanaga is a free agent, sources tell ESPN. The team rejected their option to extend his contract out to a fifth year. That triggered his ability to exercise a $15 million player option for 2026. He declined that as well,” ESPN’s Jesse Rogers wrote.

Securing Imanaga would be a huge boost for the Braves. He is one of the best southpaws in the game, known for his savvy on the mound. Atlanta could also offer him a lengthy contract, giving stability to a rotation that was decimated by injuries last season.

Every one of the Braves’ opening-day starters got hurt last season, and Imanaga has a reputation as a durable pitcher. This potential move would bring much-needed stability to a rotation in desperate need of it.

More MLB news:

News Correspondent