The Atlanta Braves have had a solid offseason overall, making most of their significant moves early on. Still, one area where they could continue to upgrade is the starting rotation. General manager Alex Anthopoulos has made it clear that the team isn’t just looking to add depth — they want a starter who can be trusted in a postseason environment.
“We’ve looked into adding to the rotation through both trades and free agency,” Anthopoulos said. “Ideally, we want someone who can make an impact and take the ball in a playoff game.”
Atlanta is typically known for boasting a strong rotation, but injuries took a toll last season and disrupted that reputation. While the outlook for 2026 appears stable, the long-term picture beyond that becomes far less certain.
According to HTHB’s Chase Owens, aside from Spencer Strider and Spencer Schwellenbach, there are no guaranteed fixtures in the Braves’ rotation past the 2026 season.
One notable name to keep an eye on is veteran left-hander Chris Sale. As he approaches his 40s, questions will naturally arise about how he views the next phase of his career once the season wraps up. HTHB’s Steven Teal has suggested that Sale could consider retirement if he delivers a strong campaign in 2026.
Teal noted that improved health management, combined with adjustments Sale has made off the field, has helped him stay available. He added that Sale’s rib injury last season was a fluke, occurring while he made an aggressive diving play against the Mets. Without that setback, Sale likely would have surpassed 170 innings once again. There’s little reason to doubt his effectiveness this year, and a productive season could lead him to walk away on his own terms.
While the potential departure of Sale would leave a noticeable void, his résumé speaks for itself, and he has nothing left to prove. During his time in Atlanta, he has largely put to rest the narrative that he couldn’t stay healthy.
Beyond his performance on the mound, Sale has also served as a key mentor and leader within the clubhouse. Still, there is a legitimate chance that this season could mark the end of his playing career, meaning the Braves may soon have to part ways with one of their most respected veterans.
