Off to a 25–10 start, the Atlanta Braves have relied on a dynamic offense and a surprisingly dominant pitching staff to fuel their early success. “Surprising” is perhaps the most fitting way to describe the rotation, which has received key contributions from unexpected sources.
Bryce Elder certainly qualifies as an unexpected source, as his 1.88 ERA and 1.2 bWAR represent a dramatic turnaround from the 5.30 ERA and -0.4 bWAR he posted in 2025. In fact, Elder’s early-season dominance has drawn national attention. In MLB.com’s recent Cy Young poll, he even received a first-place vote, a development that has surprised...well, pretty much everyone.
Your @attorneyjohnfoy Strong Arm Pitcher of the Month: Bryce Elder 💪 pic.twitter.com/R6ZRz1nelV
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) May 1, 2026
Bryce Elder one of two Braves pitchers to get Cy Young love in recent MLB poll
Unsurprisingly, reigning Cy Young winners Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal are the leaders in the clubhouse in the poll. Further down the ballot, Chris Sale has also drawn recognition for his strong start to the season. However, established arms of that caliber are typically a consistent presence in Cy Young conversations year after year.
While Elder has not previously been a fixture in Cy Young discussions, his early-season resurgence has elevated him into the ranks of elite pitchers—at least through the opening stretch of the 2026 campaign. It stands as a testament to the work he put in this offseason to reestablish himself as a viable Major League contributor.
Sale and Elder have provided the most stability in the rotation, a reality reflected in the early-season Cy Young poll. Sale’s continued excellence aligns with his established track record, while Elder’s case is more nuanced. Although he lacks the same history of sustained success, his underlying metrics are the strongest of his career, suggesting he may indeed have turned a corner.
In many ways, the Braves’ strong start reflects both the expected and the unforeseen. Proven contributors like Sale have delivered at a high level, while the emergence of Elder has added an unexpected dimension to the rotation. If Elder can sustain his current form, it would not only solidify the staff’s foundation but also raise the team’s ceiling as the season progresses.
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