There has been a lot of movement in and out of the NL East as far as the starting rotations are concerned. That is, unless you're the Atlanta Braves and count Carlos Carrasco as a notable move. The rotation was a sore spot for the Braves last season, literally and figuratively. Atlanta had 19 different pitchers make at least one start, led by Bryce Elder, who logged 28 starts but posted a 5.30 ERA. Nearly every top hurler from Chris Sale to Spencer Schwellenbach, Spencer Strider, and many more missed significant time. As a result, the club ranked 22nd in starters' ERA at 4.48.
It's nearly a guarantee that they'll have more luck this time around, but will it be enough? Atlanta has wanted to add to what can be a talented group, but the options are dwindling as we march closer to pitchers and catchers reporting. As currently constructed, how does the Braves' rotation stack up against their NL East rivals?
Power ranking the Braves' rotation against the rest of the NL East
5. Washington Nationals - Cade Cavalli, Brad Lord, Jake Irvin, Josiah Gray, and Foster Griffin
This was already one of the league's worst collections of starters, ranking 29th in rotation ERA last season, coming in at 5.18. Things looked bleak, and that was before trading MacKenzie Gore to the Texas Rangers. The good news is, they can't go much lower, but for now, it seems as if it is a race to the bottom in the nation's capital.
4. Miami Marlins - Sandy Alcantara, Eury Perez, Max Meyer, Braxton Garrett, Janson Junk
This was a stronger group a couple of weeks ago, but trading Edward Cabrera hurt, while losing Ryan Weathers represents the loss of potential over production. Still, there is talent here, especially if Sandy Alcantara proves that his 3.33 second-half ERA is where he truly is post Tommy John surgery rather than his 7.22 first-half mark. Alongside him, Eury Perez has a ton of untapped potential. The Marlins always find intriguing starters, though holding onto them is usually the problem.
3. Atlanta Braves - Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach, Spencer Strider, Reynaldo Lopez, Hurston Waldrep, Grant Holmes
This is where things get interesting. Chris Sale showed, when healthy last season, that he could have been in the Cy Young conversation after taking home the award in 2024. If both Spencers are on, this is a more-than-solid one through three. The questions start with Reynaldo Lopez and Grant Holmes and whether or not they can hold up. Hurston Waldrep building upon his strong 56.1 inning sample from a year ago, will be huge, too.
What would have put this unit over the top would've been Freddy Peralta, but alas...
2. New York Mets - Freddy Peralta, Nolan McLean, David Peterson, Clay Holmes, Sean Manaea, Kodai Senga
The Mets edge out the Braves here ever so slightly. Their rotation is still a work in progress, with them potentially trading a starter, but the depth is impressive. Freddy Peralta is transformative for them, and Nolan McLean was ranked the top right-handed pitching prospect by MLB Pipeline. Add in another talented youngster waiting in the wings in Jonah Tong, and New York currently has seven starters who could break into a big league rotation.
1. Philadelphia Phillies - Christopher Sanchez, Jesus Luzardo, Aaron Nola, Taijuan Walker, Andrew Painter
The Phillies' rotation posted the second-best ERA in the majors last season at 3.53, which gives them some clout in these rankings. Sure, Ranger Suarez is a Boston Red Sox now, and Zack Wheeler's timetable to return from surgery to remove a blood clot in his throwing shoulder is up in the air, but they still have horses like Christopher Sanchez and Jesus Luzardo to lead the way, not to mention top prospect Andrew Painter to help cover things in Wheeler's absence.
Truth be told, the top three in the division could all switch places, with the deciding factor truly being health. However, for now, it's hard to bet against Philadelphia, and they'll lead the way until proven otherwise.