The Atlanta Braves have some question marks heading into the 2025 season. The biggest question surrounds the starting rotation. We know what the top three will look like and Spencer Strider will return at some point but his absence means the Braves have to cover two rotation spots.
It seems that the team is very high on Grant Holmes and wants to give him a shot. Ian Anderson was also projected to make the Opening Day roster. However, once Strider returns, Anderson or Holmes may be out of a spot in the rotation.
Holmes was impressive for the Braves in his debut season last year. But he struggled at times, leaving fans questioning his ability to replicate that success. Anderson hasn't pitched in a Major League game since 2022.
Ian Anderson will have to prove to Braves fans he still has what it takes to be an effective rotation piece
Atlanta's third pick in the 2016 MLB Draft struggled after an impressive rookie season in 2021 where he put up an impressive 3.58 ERA over 128.1 innings with 53 walks and 124 strikeouts. Anderson declined to a 5.00 ERA over 111.2 innings in 2022 with 54 walks and 97 strikeouts.
He would eventually undergo Tommy John surgery a month into the 2023 season before returning to pitching in Atlanta's minor league system in 2024. The right-hander pitched fairly well with a 3.44 ERA over four levels. He appeared in 10 games for Triple-A Gwinnett and pitched fairly well, but he faded during his last four starts with a dip in velocity. It was expected since he didn't pitch for an entire season but it may have cost him an opportunity to pitch in last year's postseason, according to The Athletic's David O'Brien.
It's easy to forget how well Anderson has pitched during his brief playoff experience with a 4-0 record and a 1.26 ERA over 35.2 innings. He had the experience needed this year, but Atlanta favored going with AJ Smith-Shawver to face the Padres in game one of the NL Wild Card.
O'Brien reported that Anderson was disappointed by it, stating, “I mean, I feel like I had performed for this team in the postseason and in years past. But I completely understand, too.” It's understandable to be disappointed by this but he has the chance to prove he can still perform well at the MLB level.
Anderson was a top draft pick for a reason but he does have some questions to answer before fans will believe in him again. He doesn't miss a lot of bats and with a dip in velocity last season, it won't be any easier for him to do so. In 2022, he struggled with walks and allowing hard contact.
He will need to rely on getting ground ball outs to have sustained success. Hopefully, he's able to find his stride and help Atlanta have one of the best rotations in baseball again.
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