The Atlanta Braves are facing a pivotal offseason, particularly concerning their starting rotation. The 2024 season highlighted the team’s lack of pitching depth, especially in the back end of the rotation. Injuries further exacerbated these issues, leading to inconsistent performances from the fourth and fifth starter positions.
The situation has become more pressing with the departures of key pitchers Max Fried and Charlie Morton, who have signed with other teams. Fried’s exit is a significant blow, given his role as a cornerstone of the rotation. Morton, despite being 41, provided valuable innings and veteran leadership. His intention to continue pitching in 2025 was noted by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, who stated, “Charlie Morton…intends to pitch next season at 41 and remains a reliable innings eater with strikeout ability.” citeturn0search0
To address these gaps, the Braves are exploring options to bolster their starting pitching. One potential target is free agent Andrew Heaney from the Texas Rangers. Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller suggests that Heaney could be a suitable replacement for the departed starters, noting, “They lost Max Fried. They lost Morton…if they swoop in for Heaney on something like a 2/$19M deal, problem solved—and without exceeding the luxury-tax threshold.”
Heaney, a 33-year-old left-hander, had a solid 2024 season, making 31 starts with a 4.28 ERA. His Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) of 4.04 and WHIP of 1.25 indicate that his performance was slightly better than his ERA suggests. While he may not match Fried’s caliber, Heaney would provide stability and experience to the Braves’ rotation.
Internally, the Braves have promising talent that could step up. Spencer Schwellenbach, who had an impressive rookie season in 2024, is one such prospect. Over 21 starts, he pitched 123.2 innings and achieved a 3.35 ERA. MLB.com has recognized him as a potential breakout star for 2025, highlighting his exceptional command and ranking in the top 5% of MLB pitchers in both chase rate and walk rate. citeturn0search2
The Braves’ current rotation includes Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, and Schwellenbach. However, with Spencer Strider recovering from Tommy John surgery and not expected back at the season’s start, there’s a clear need for additional depth. The recent acquisition of Griffin Canning from the Los Angeles Angels, in exchange for outfielder Jorge Soler, adds another arm to the mix. Canning, 28, had a challenging 2024 season with a 5.19 ERA over 171.2 innings but could benefit from a change of scenery. citeturn0news12
Despite these moves, some analysts predict that the Braves might remain relatively quiet in the free-agent market. Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer suggests that Atlanta’s primary focus could be on re-signing their own free agents, particularly Morton, rather than pursuing external candidates. He notes, “It feels like Morton has been on the verge of retiring for years, but he’s still not ready yet…With Max Fried also a free agent…there’s a spot for Morton in the rotation.” citeturn0search1
In conclusion, the Braves are at a crossroads with their starting rotation. The combination of key departures and injury concerns necessitates strategic acquisitions and internal development. Pursuing a pitcher like Andrew Heaney could provide immediate support, while nurturing talents like Spencer Schwellenbach offers long-term benefits. The front office’s decisions in the coming months will be crucial in shaping the team’s pitching success for the 2025 season and beyond.
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