The Atlanta Braves are facing a critical moment this MLB offseason, with minimal action so far. They’ve allowed key players like Travis d’Arnaud, Max Fried, and Charlie Morton to depart, creating a sense of uncertainty around the strength of their starting rotation once the backbone of their team. Heading into 2025, the Braves’ pitching staff will include Chris Sale, Reynaldo Lopez, Spencer Schwellenbach, and potentially more additions.
While Ian Anderson is expected to get another chance after recovering from Tommy John surgery, and Spencer Strider will eventually return from his UCL injury, the Braves cannot afford to bank on two free-agent acquisitions like Sale and Lopez, who had career years, alongside a rookie like Schwellenbach who hasn’t yet faced the rigors of a full season.
That’s why I’m convinced the Braves will add another pitcher, and my leading candidate is Jack Flaherty, a former high school teammate of Fried. After starting his career with the St. Louis Cardinals, Flaherty split last season between the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers. Jim Bowden of The Athletic recently mentioned Flaherty as a possible fit for the Braves. Given the notoriously tight-lipped nature of Alex Anthopoulos’ front office, it’s not out of the question.
It may feel odd to see Flaherty take Fried’s spot in the rotation, considering their close bond. Some might argue the Braves should simply bring Fried back, but the hefty deal the New York Yankees offered him on the open market makes that less likely. Flaherty’s injury history could raise red flags, and Atlanta may be cautious, but Anthopoulos has a strong track record of finding pitching gems at the right price. He’s not known for big free-agent splashes, preferring to secure team-friendly deals that allow the Braves to maintain their success.
Despite last season’s injury woes, if the offense improves under new hitting coach Tim Hyers, the Braves could be poised to reclaim the NL East. Flaherty, while not without his challenges, checks several boxes for Atlanta: a seasoned veteran with postseason experience whose stock has dipped for reasons beyond his control. Fried’s glowing endorsement of the Braves could help sell Flaherty on the idea of joining the team.
While Flaherty won’t be the sole solution to the Braves’ rotation concerns, he could be the perfect fit to help stabilize the pitching staff moving forward.
