Atlanta Braves Urgently Need Starting Pitching Help This Offseason
The Atlanta Braves find themselves in a critical position this offseason as they look to bolster their starting rotation. Despite having a talented group of starters at the top of their rotation last season, the team struggled with depth, particularly in the back end. Injuries made it difficult to establish a reliable fourth and fifth starter, and now, with Max Fried and Charlie Morton signing with other teams, the need for a quality replacement has become even more pressing.
Bleacher Report Predicts Braves Could Sign Andrew Heaney
Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report recently speculated that the Braves might pursue Texas Rangers free-agent pitcher Andrew Heaney to fill the void left by Fried and Morton. He pointed out Atlanta’s growing need for a dependable starter, especially with uncertainty surrounding the return of Spencer Strider.
“So, who has the greatest 11th-hour need for a starting pitcher? Probably the Atlanta Braves, right? They lost Max Fried. They lost Morton,” Miller wrote. “We still don’t know when Spencer Strider will be back. And as things stand, even once Strider returns, they’ll have either Ian Anderson or Grant Holmes penciled in as the fifth starter.”
Miller also emphasized that the Braves are banking on both Chris Sale and Reynaldo López staying healthy. Given the current state of their rotation, Atlanta’s lack of offseason moves to address the pitching staff has been surprising. However, if they were to sign Heaney to a deal similar to a two-year $19 million contract, it could provide much-needed stability without pushing them over the luxury tax threshold.
Is Heaney a Good Fit for Atlanta?
While Heaney may not match Fried’s elite level, he would still be an upgrade over the Braves’ current options. The 33-year-old left-hander made 31 starts for the Rangers last season, posting a 4.28 ERA with a 4.04 FIP and a 1.25 WHIP. These metrics suggest that he pitched slightly better than his ERA indicates.
Given his durability and experience, Heaney could be a valuable addition to Atlanta’s rotation. He may not be a frontline ace, but he could provide much-needed innings and stability in the middle or back end of the rotation.
Braves’ Urgent Need for Rotation Help
With the loss of Fried and Morton, along with Strider’s uncertain return timeline, the Braves must act fast to reinforce their starting rotation. Relying on a mix of injury-prone veterans and unproven arms could be risky for a team with championship aspirations. If Atlanta does not address its pitching concerns soon, it could face significant struggles throughout the 2025 season.
Signing a solid, mid-tier starter like Heaney could be a practical solution, giving the Braves a reliable arm without forcing them into a major financial commitment. Whether they pursue Heaney or another available starter, one thing is clear: Atlanta cannot afford to enter the season without adding more depth to its rotation.
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