The Atlanta Braves are facing a pitching crisis, and the clock is ticking! With Spencer Schwellenbach sidelined for 2026 due to elbow surgery, the team's starting rotation depth has been stretched thinner than a tightrope walker's balance. It's a stark reminder that in baseball, unforeseen circumstances can derail even the best-laid plans.
The offseason was supposed to be the time for the Braves to secure a playoff-caliber arm, but that crucial piece of the puzzle remains elusive. This isn't for lack of trying, of course. The front office navigates a complex landscape where deals require mutual interest and intricate negotiations, whether pursuing free agents or orchestrating trades. It's far from a simple shopping trip!
As things stand, the projected five-man rotation for the start of the season includes Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Reynaldo Lopez, Grant Holmes, and Hurston Waldrep. However, this lineup is far from stable. AJ Smith-Shawver is likely out for the entire year, Strider is still working his way back to his dominant form, and Reynaldo Lopez's performance post-injury remains a question mark. Compounding this, the Braves often manage Sale's workload with extra rest, which means they'll likely need a reliable sixth starter or resort to bullpen games. The team's pitching depth, it seems, has been depleted once again.
Given these circumstances, it's only logical for the Braves to explore every avenue for reinforcements. While some free agents are still available, and trade targets like Sandy Alcántara have been heavily discussed on social media, there's also the possibility of an internal prospect stepping up. But let's venture into some less conventional territory and explore some "outside-the-box" options that might just be the perfect fit.
Before we dive in, a dose of reality is necessary. When considering trades, it's important to understand that teams vying for a playoff spot are rarely eager to part with their starting pitchers. We've also observed teams that are unlikely to win their divisions acquiring players, like the Pirates and Angels, suggesting they intend to hold onto their current starters. Our focus here isn't on finding a direct replacement for Schwellenbach's caliber of play, but rather on acquiring serviceable arms to bolster the much-needed rotation depth.
Let's start by examining a team that might be on the cusp of contention but could be open to moving certain starters if the right trade materializes.
Nick Lodolo (Cincinnati Reds)
Lodolo is coming off a season where he pitched 75.2 innings, showcasing an ERA of 2.74, which mirrored his previous form. However, his expected ERA (xERA) was higher at 3.96, though still within the upper half of MLB pitchers. Fangraphs projects him with a 3.75 ERA, 3.60 FIP, 3.2 fWAR, 9.0 K/9, and 2.3 BB/9. The appeal here lies in his remaining two years of team control and an Average Annual Value (AAV) of $18.375MM. The Reds might consider moving him to free up payroll and acquire prospects.
Bailey Ober (Minnesota Twins)
It might seem unusual to consider a pitcher who posted a 5.11 ERA last season, but don't stop reading yet! His xERA of 4.36 suggests he was perhaps a bit unlucky, not to mention he was managing a hip issue. Braves fans are all too familiar with how hip injuries can linger, as seen with Marcell Ozuna last year. While Ober is expected to be healthy this season, his walk rate has been in the top ten percent or better for four of the last five seasons. From 2023-2024, he demonstrated all-star caliber talent with xERAs of 3.61 and 3.25, respectively. Fangraphs projects a 4.28 ERA, 4.25 FIP, 1.8 fWAR, 8.2 K/9, and 2.1 BB/9. If the Twins are willing to sell low, he could be a worthwhile gamble. The Braves would retain team control through 2027.
Tanner Bibee (Cleveland Guardians)
Staying within the division, let's turn our attention to the Guardians. If they decide to move Bibee, he represents an excellent bounce-back candidate who could be under team control through 2030. He has four years remaining on his $48MM contract, with a team option for 2030. It's evident the Guardians view him as a core piece, so any potential move would hinge on their perceived competitiveness within his contract window.
A 4.25 ERA might not be dazzling, but his xERA was a more promising 3.64, the lowest of his three-year career. Furthermore, he's remarkably durable, recording two complete games and pitching 182.1 innings last season. His lowest inning total was 142.0 in his rookie year. Fangraphs projects him with a 3.90 ERA, 4.04 FIP, 2.5 fWAR, 8.4 K/9, and 2.7 BB/9. These are solid numbers that any rotation would welcome, especially considering his ability to log innings. The real challenge lies in persuading the Guardians to part with him; the odds are admittedly low.
Matthew McGreevy (St. Louis Cardinals)
Moving to a more unconventional idea, the Cardinals appear to be sellers, but the extent of their willingness to trade is uncertain. They possess two promising arms under long-term control.
The chances of the Cardinals trading McGreevy are slim to none, but why not consider it if there's even a remote possibility? McGreevy is under team control through 2031 and has only pitched 118.2 MLB innings with a 3.94 ERA. Fangraphs sees enough potential to project a 3.98 ERA, 4.02 FIP, 1.6 fWAR, 6.3 K/9, and 2.2 BB/9. It's worth noting that Statcast isn't as impressed with his stuff as Fangraphs is.
Zack Liberatore (St. Louis Cardinals)
Following a similar line of thought, we can look at Liberatore, who is under control through 2029. To say his career started poorly would be an understatement, but he's shown improvements, making him a cost-effective depth option for the back of a rotation. In 2023, he had a dreadful xERA of 6.04, placing him in the bottom 5.0 percent of all MLB pitchers. However, he bounced back with a much more respectable xERA of 4.19 in 2024. Both of those seasons saw him move between starting and relief roles. In 2025, he settled in as a full-time starter, contributing 151.2 innings with a 4.21 ERA and 4.03 FIP. This included his best strikeout-to-walk ratio of his career at 3.05.
Fangraphs projects him with a 4.22 ERA, 4.19 FIP, 1.5 fWAR, 7.5 K/9, and 2.9 BB/9. While these numbers aren't eye-popping, they are significantly better than what would likely be seen from Bryce Elder, who is out of options. A hypothetical trade would involve a gamble on both sides: the Cardinals betting he won't progress further, and the Braves betting that he will.
But here's where it gets controversial: Could the Braves be better off focusing on developing their internal talent rather than chasing external solutions that might not pan out? Is the risk of acquiring a player with a history of inconsistency worth the potential reward?
Ultimately, only time will tell what path the Braves will take in response to Spencer Schwellenbach's injury. However, one thing is certain: the team will undoubtedly require additional depth to navigate the challenges that lie ahead, especially after what transpired last season. What are your thoughts on these potential moves? Do you agree with these "outside-the-box" ideas, or do you have other suggestions for the Braves? Let us know in the comments below!
