The front office for the Atlanta Braves seemed to be set on adding a playoff-caliber starting pitcher this offseason. That was something Alex Anthopoulos mentioned being one of their main priorities. Fans expected to see the team spend a lot more this year, after being cautious last season to reset the luxury tax. However, the team has stopped short of the second tier of the tax threshold, and the front office has changed its tune on adding a starting pitcher.
Things looked promising early on as Atlanta signed Raisel Iglesias, Robert Suarez, Mike Yastrzemski, and Ha-Seong Kim. There was still hope for a starter being added, but that deteriorated, and left them with not-so-great options like Zac Gallen, Chris Bassitt, and Lucas Giolito.
Unfortunately, we've since learned Atlanta never considered any of them. That shocked fans, especially after learning Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep won't be available until later in the season.
The Braves will be without pitchers Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep for an unknown amount of time.#MLBTonight discusses the injuries and the impact it has on a club hoping to bounce back in 2026. pic.twitter.com/0tjLC6dXFk
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) February 18, 2026
Braves pulling back on rotation search might have to do with their lack of a TV deal
Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Reynaldo Lopez, and Grant Holmes are capable of holding things down. However, if any one of them gets injured at any point, the Braves are in trouble. Atlanta's lack of a sound TV deal could be the real culprit for their spending plans changing. The team suddenly had to find a way to broadcast games, and that TV revenue could be a big help in the future.
Anthopoulos likes to have cash reserves set aside for the trade deadline each year. While that is a good strategy, it's hard not to want them to simply address things prior to the season starting.
Anything can happen during the season, and hoping for a mid-season trade to solve problems isn't ideal. This is, unfortunately, what Braves fans will have to be okay with at the moment. The team is dead set on allowing Bryce Elder, Joey Wentz, and other internal options battle for that final rotation slot.
Not adding a quality starting pitcher was a head-scratching move. However, the cost for arms was a bit high. It's just disarming for the front office to deem that a high priority to only abandon it months later. This could end up being a moot point if things go well. If it doesn't, fans are going to be furious with management.