The offseason for the Atlanta Braves was incredibly quiet. Alex Anthopoulos has often stated that our marquee acquisitions are Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuña Jr. Indeed, that will be beneficial. Nor should we undervalue Jurickson Profar. At a position of necessity in the outfield, he is a powerful batsman.
Nevertheless, with the failure of the previous season, they anticipated for a bit more. Atlanta appeared totally overpowered in the NL playoffs after winning 89 games. In 2024, almost every member of the lineup retreated and was placed on the injured list. Except for Marcell Ozuna, everyone.
Yes, a healthier lineup and improved luck will help the Braves. Ozzie Albies, Matt Olson, and Austin Riley all producing career-worst numbers together again is difficult to conceive. But what are the chances that Ozuna would calm down? Unfortunately, rather high. Additionally, the Braves cannot overlook the possibility of further injuries. If last season taught us anything, it was how important quality depth is. Where can Brian Snitker turn when the Braves begin to lose talent?
This season, the pitching staff feels particularly obligated to answer that question. Strider has returned, but Atlanta let Charlie Morton and Max Fried to enter free agency without having suitable alternatives in place. The Braves chose to remain in place rather than bolster their rotation with a trade or a future free agency acquisition.
Ian Anderson, who is predicted to start at number five, is one of the internal replacements that Atlanta is likely to develop. The sole issue? Many things about their in-house choices are lacking.
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The Braves’ lack of depth is brought into sharp relief by Ian Anderson’s spring training debut.
Anderson had a disastrous first spring training season in 2025. The 26-year-old pitched 1.2 innings and gave up three walks, one hit, and one run. Tampa Bay defeated the Braves 4-2.
After walking three hitters, including two in the second inning, Ian Anderson was out after 1 2/3 innings. sat 92-93 with FB, primarily 92, gave up a run (in charge of two more that are still on), one hit, and three walks.
Anderson once played a key role in Atlanta’s 2021 World Series triumph, but he missed two consecutive seasons due to recuperation after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023. Reacting too strongly to a single spring training start is not a good idea, especially for someone recovering from such a long absence, but it’s difficult to have complete trust in Anderson. The low velocity is a concerning red flag, because there are too many unidentified factors at work.
There aren’t many better alternatives after you get passed Anderson. Hurston Waldrep won’t be here for another year or two. Although Grant Holmes is a good swingman, he is not a reliable starter. A.J. Smith-Shawver simply does not exist. At least not yet. Although Bryce Elder has shown promise in his little springtime appearances, Braves supporters are naturally tired of the former All-Star who has been used as a postseason scapegoat.
Suppose Spencer Schwellenbach continues to build on a strong debut year. After Strider returns, the Braves will have four reliable starters, but Strider, who is now recovering from Tommy John, has a history of injuries, as does Chris Sale. Despite wearing out late in the previous season, Sale and Lopez were healthy for the most part. In 2025, will the Braves be able to rely on their durability? It’s a dangerous wager.
The Braves learned from last season how fast a lineup injury can turn bad. The repercussions might be substantially worse if the rotation is disrupted in 2025. Whether it’s a last-minute free agency surprise or, more likely, a momentous trade, Alex Anthopoulos has to shop around.
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