At the moment, the Atlanta Braves' needs for a new shortstop and a functioning bullpen both look like their biggest concerns. Shortstop in particular appears to be problematic for Atlanta this offseason as their options appear to be a reunion with Ha-Seong Kim or some other questionable choices. However, Braves front office head Alex Anthopoulos made to sure state on the record that another priority high on the Braves' offseason shopping list is starting pitching.
While the Braves could probably get away with internal rotation options to start the season, fans saw what can happen when injuries take their toll. Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, and Spencer Schwellenbach is a very solid core if everyone is fully healthy (important "if" there). Hurston Waldrep fresh off his 2025 breakout along with Reynaldo Lopez (health permitting), Grant Holmes (health permitting) and JR Ritchie are all going to be in the running for meaningful innings next season. However, adding a quality middle of the rotation arm that could serve as a safety net would go a long way.
Adding someone like Framber Valdez or Ranger Suarez feels like a stretch given Atlanta's other roster needs and somewhat limited resources. However, one of the more intriguing free agent starters on the market could be a great fit and that is Cody Ponce.
Cody Ponce is coming back to MLB from the KBO and would be a great fit for the Braves
You are forgiven if you are unfamiliar with Ponce and his game. Ponce was a second round pick by the Brewers way back in 2015. He would eventually end up with the Pirates where he made 20 forgettable appearances before leaving MLB after the 2021 season and heading overseas. After a mildly successful stint in Japan, Ponce moved over to South Korea and the KBO last season and put himself back on the map with increased velocity, a more diverse repetoire of pitches, and LOTS of swing and miss to the tune of 252 strikeouts in 180.2 innings of work.
Just like that, Ponce has become a bit of a hot commodity on this year's free agent market. He is 31 years old and has zero track record of pitching well in the majors, but his current stuff passes the eye test and his numbers are loud. More importantly, he shouldn't be all that expensive. Merrill Kelly and Erick Fedde successfully came back over from the KBO and neither required lengthy contracts or big financial commitments.
If Ponce can be had for a reasonable two year deal or a two year deal with a player option for a third year, the Braves should be all over that. However, half of the league would give Ponce that same deal right now. If Atlanta wants to be a serious contender and beat out west coast teams (Ponce is from California) for his services, they may have to win a bidding war convincingly and there is definitely a price point where that rish doesn't make sense.
Still, Ponce's upside and the likelihood that Atlanta would not have to break the bank to sign him. Given that the Braves have a range of priorities they want to address with solid to better players, Ponce could be a unique opportunity to give their rotation a boost and potentially find a diamond in the rough.