The Atlanta Braves have finally reached the end of the 2025 season. With this ending comes the time to reflect on the good and bad, while looking forward to next year.
Atlanta suffered blow after blow to their starting rotation, forcing the team to piece together a serviceable rotation. It was a revolving door right up until the last month, when things became a bit more stable.
Braves manager Brian Snitker recently had some optimistic comments on next year's rotation. He told MLB.com's Mark Bowman, “I think [the 2026 rotation] has a chance to be what we thought the rotation would be going into this year."
While it is encouraging to know the Braves could have one of the best starting rotations next year, it gives me a bit of anxiety hearing that. Fans don't want the team to just run it back with the same crew again.
Snitker seems to think the 2026 rotation is in a good spot, but the Braves have a lot of work to do in reality
That mindset is part of what has led the team to lack a good bullpen this season. Atlanta could have used another starter last offseason as well. So, while there is plenty of talent there, most of the rotation is still on the IL. There's no guarantee they'll return and be super effective.
Reynaldo López made one start in 2025 and then underwent season-ending shoulder surgery. RighAJ Smith-Shawver needed Tommy John surgery in May, and was followed by Spencer Shwellenbach, who fractured his elbow. Grant Holmes is on the IL with an elbow injury, and we don't know if surgery will be needed.
Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Bryce Elder, and Hurston Waldrep are the only pitchers we know would be 100% ready to go. Atlanta needs to look to the trade market or free agency to add at least one starter.
“You can’t lose five starters and expect things to go well,” Snitker said. While this is true and the Braves couldn't have predicted that change, you can't just be reactive when injuries happen. It puts strain on your depth. They need to be more proactive and ensure they are well prepared for 2026.
Bryce Elder has done a serviceable job for the Braves, but he isn't exactly the most dependable option. To his credit, however, his ERA improved each month that he pitched. His ERA in September finished at 3.13 over 31.2 innings. The key to this success is that he cut down on walks significantly, but he was still prone to giving up homers.
Snit believes Elder did enough to play himself into the rotation conversation next season. He did cover a lot of innings, but it's hard for me to think the team can't find a better option externally.
However, it feels like they might run it back with what they have internally. If everyone stays healthy, the rotation would be Sale, Schwellenbach, Strider, Waldrep, and Lopez to start the season. Lopez wants to remain a starter, and we haven't heard the Braves say otherwise.
This could relegate Elder and Holmes to a long relief role. Joey Wentz had a rough end to the season, but he could also be moved to the bullpen. It will be interesting to see what they decide to do.