After re-signing with the Padres, Michael King is no longer an option for the Atlanta Braves this offseason. There are compelling reasons to think that the Braves should be glad that they didn't sign King, but that doesn't change the reality that the number of potential starters that fit what Atlanta wants this offseason is beginning to dwindle.
We know that the Braves are still entertaining adding an impact starter this offseason, but they aren't going to force a deal or overpay for one. Alex Anthopoulos may prefer to get a pitching upgrade, but that player would have to be actually better (or close) to the Grant Holmes/Reynaldo Lopez tier of options that they already have at their disposal.
So we know the Braves want a quality starter, but they aren't desperate for one and don't have unlimited funds at their disposal. It wouldn't hurt to add another lefty to pair with Chris Sale, either. Once you start connecting all the dots, it becomes clear that Ranger Suarez may be their best option that is actually available.
Braves should pivot to Ranger Suarez if they are serious about adding an impact starter
In terms of price-to-performance, the Braves didn't start the offseason with a ton of realistic options. Framber Valdez is the best pitcher on the market, but he is likely to be prohibitively expensive. Tatsuya Imai is a crazy talent, but Japanese players coming over can be hit-and-miss and almost never are in play for the Braves anyways as they generally prefer west coast and/or big market teams.
That leaves Dylan Cease, who the Blue Jays overpaid for, the recently re-signed King, and Suarez as the ideal options. Suarez has been one of the leagues better and more consistent pitchers the last few years and has been projected to get a five year, $115 million deal by MLB Trade Rumors who usually get pretty close. Suarez's history of back issues are a concern, but a $23 million AAV considering the payoff feels pretty well worth it even though the qualifying offer being attached makes it close.
At this point, it is far more likely that the Braves go with a much cheaper option to give them some rotation depth and go with their current arms at the start of 2026. Starting pitching has been expensive thus far and with JR Ritchie and Owen Murphy lurking in the minor leagues, the Braves shouldn't be desperate. However, if Scott Boras is feeling reasonable and the right deal gets proposed, signing Suarez could be a perfect fit.