The Atlanta Braves are facing a challenging situation as they seek to bolster their starting pitching roster for the 2026 season. With the recent news of Spencer Schwellenbach's injury and upcoming surgery, the team's plans for a playoff-caliber addition have been disrupted, leaving fans and experts alike wondering about the Braves' next move.
It's easy to assume that acquiring a top-tier starting pitcher is as simple as making a choice at the grocery store, but the reality is far more complex. The Braves' front office has undoubtedly been working tirelessly to secure a deal, but the nature of the business demands cooperation from both parties, and that's where the challenge lies.
The current rotation is projected to include Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Reynaldo Lopez, Grant Holmes, and Hurston Waldrep. However, with AJ Smith-Shawver's absence for the season, Strider's inconsistent form, and Lopez's recovery from injury, the Braves may need to consider a sixth man or bullpen game strategy. This situation highlights the team's need for depth, which has been a recurring issue.
The Braves have a few options to explore, and while some free agents are available, their names have been circulating on social media, potentially driving up their value. Trade targets like Sandy Alcántara have also been discussed, but let's delve into some less conventional possibilities.
When considering trades, it's essential to be realistic. Teams vying for a playoff spot rarely part with their starting pitchers. Interestingly, teams like the Pirates and Angels, who aren't expected to win their divisions, have been active in the market, perhaps indicating their intention to retain their starters. The Braves' goal is not to find a Schwellenbach replacement but rather to acquire serviceable arms to bolster their rotational depth.
One potential trade candidate is Reynaldo López of the Minnesota Twins. Despite a modest 75.2 innings pitched last season, López's 2.74 ERA was impressive. His expected ERA (xERA) of 3.96 is still among the top half of MLB pitchers. Fangraphs projects a promising 3.75 ERA, 3.60 FIP, and 3.2 fWAR. With two years remaining on his contract at $18.375MM AAV, the Twins might consider a trade to free up resources while acquiring prospects.
Another intriguing option is Griffin Ober of the Twins. His 5.11 ERA last season may raise eyebrows, but his xERA of 4.36 suggests bad luck, and he was also dealing with a hip injury. Ober's history of hip issues could be a concern, but he is reportedly ready for the upcoming season. His walk rate has been consistently impressive, and from 2023-2024, he showcased all-star potential with xERAs of 3.61 and 3.25. Fangraphs' projection of a 4.28 ERA and 4.25 FIP might be conservative, and if the Twins are open to a trade, Ober could be a worthwhile risk. The Braves would gain team control until 2027.
Turning to the Cleveland Guardians, Tanner Bibee is a bounce-back candidate with four years remaining on his $48MM contract, plus a team option for 2030. While his 4.25 ERA isn't exceptional, his xERA of 3.64 is promising, and he demonstrated remarkable durability last season with 182.1 innings pitched. Fangraphs projects a solid 3.90 ERA and 4.04 FIP, making him an attractive addition to any rotation. However, convincing the Guardians to part with Bibee may be a long shot.
Now, let's explore a truly unconventional idea. The St. Louis Cardinals are in selling mode, but to what extent? They have two pitchers under long-term control: Matthew Liberatore and Andre Pallante. Liberatore's early career struggles are well-documented, but he has shown improvement and could be a cost-effective depth arm. His xERA has dropped from 6.04 in 2023 to 4.19 in 2024, and he settled into a full-time starter role in 2025 with a 4.21 ERA and 4.03 FIP. Fangraphs projects a 4.22 ERA and 4.19 FIP, which, while not spectacular, could be an upgrade over Bryce Elder, who is out of options. A trade for Liberatore would be a gamble for both teams, but it might just pay off.
The Braves' strategy to address Schwellenbach's injury remains a mystery, but one thing is certain: the team desperately needs depth. And this is where it gets interesting: should the Braves take a chance on a high-risk, high-reward trade, or play it safe and hope for the best?
