Despite losing ace Spencer Strider, the Atlanta Braves’ starting rotation has been a surprising strength this season. This is in stark contrast to their offense, which has struggled after tying the MLB single-season home run record in 2023. Key injuries and underperformance have plagued their lineup, with Ronald Acuña Jr. out for the year and both Austin Riley and Matt Olson not living up to expectations. Marcell Ozuna has been a notable exception, providing crucial offensive support.
The pitching staff, led by Chris Sale, Max Fried, and Reynaldo López, has been a cornerstone of the team’s success. Veterans Charlie Morton and rookie Spencer Schwellenbach have also made significant contributions at the back of the rotation. However, there are growing concerns about the workload of these pitchers. According to MLB.com Braves reporter Mark Bowman, this might necessitate a trade for another starter before the July 30 deadline.
Bowman points out that Schwellenbach could face fatigue, and both Sale and López need to be monitored closely as they navigate their first full seasons as starters since 2019. Sale has a history of injuries since 2018, López has primarily been a reliever from 2021-23, and Schwellenbach is still recovering from Tommy John surgery with only 110 minor league innings under his belt. Additionally, Fried has had multiple stints on the injured list in 2023, and Morton, though durable, is nearing the end of his career.
Given these factors, Bowman suggests that general manager Alex Anthopoulos may look to acquire a starting pitcher at the trade deadline, despite the current strength of the rotation. However, with a seller’s market expected, competition for top pitchers will be fierce. To secure a second championship in the 2020s, the Braves may need to bolster their rotation with another reliable arm.
