The Atlanta Braves are coming off one of their worst seasons in recent years. Injuries played a big part in their fourth-place finish in the National League East.
Now, they turn their attention to getting healthy and making some upgrades at key positions. One position they will focus on going into the offseason is their starting rotation.
They will be without AJ Smith-Shawver as he rehabs from Tommy John surgery. Grant Holmes' health for 2026 is in question after his UCL issue he sustained back in July.
MLB insider points to Braves stealing NL East rival's pitcher in free agency
Going into the winter, there will be tons of frontline starters looking for a new home. Top names like Framber Valdez and Dylan Cease will be available, as well as Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Ranger Suarez.
The Braves are very familiar with Suarez, given that they have matched up with him quite a few times on the bump. MLB insider Jim Bowden projects him to be a top-of-the-line starter on the open market, generating quite a contract.
Bowden believes Suarez is in the range to receive a six-year, $164 million contract, and points to the Braves as a potential fit. If that were to happen, Atlanta would have quite the lefty combination with him and Chris Sale if Atlanta intends to keep Sale.
Sale does have an option for the 2026 season, which they need to decide on. He has been phenomenal since being traded from the Boston Red Sox, and keeping him around and pairing him with another great lefty could bring this team back to being contenders in the NL.
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