Despite big-name acquisitions, Dodgers still playing catch-up with the Braves
By Seth Carter
The rest of the pitching staff
Next up we have Walker Buehler who isn't expected to pitch a full season in 2024. He is recovering from another major surgery and the Dodgers don't expect that they will get a full season from Buehler. They'll have to hope he can return to form, once he's back.
Bobby Miller came into the season as a highly touted prospect and lived up to the hype. He pitched 124.1 innings with a 3.76 ERA and struck out 8.6 per nine.
The Braves have a more reliable and possibly more talented top three. You can easily argue that Tyler Glasnow would be the third-best pitcher on the Braves if he joined. He's had some rough seasons mixed in with great seasons and we've never seen how he holds up throughout an entire season. Max Fried is a model of being consistently GREAT.
Spencer Strider could end up being the greatest strikeout pitcher we may ever see. And give me Charlie Morton as the third guy all day. The thing with the Dodgers is we don't know who will start the season as their third starter anyway. Buehler will likely be unable to go right away, so that makes Bobby Miller and his 124 career innings the number two option behind Glasnow.
The bottom of the rotation starts with Ryan Yarbrough. We know what he is at this point. He will give you innings but there isn't any upside beyond what he is. Bryce Elder may have been among the worst starting pitchers in the second half of last season, but he was among the best for about a year before that. He still has an upside and a chance to make an impact.
The Braves have quite a few options with potentially high ceilings to fill out at the end of their rotation. Don't forget Huascar Ynoa is making his glorious return in 2024. AJ Smith-Shawver has an arm that was blessed by a higher power. Hurston Waldrep is projected to make his debut in 2024, as well.
I don't see how you can give any sort of an edge to the Dodgers' rotation. Without any moves, the Braves must still be regarded as one of the best in the league.