THE “OUT OF OPTIONS” RECKONING
ATLANTA, GA—As the calendar turns toward 2026, the Atlanta Braves find themselves at a crossroads with one of their most durable—if divisive—arms. Bryce Elder, the 2023 All-Star who led the team in starts (28) and innings pitched (156.1) during a chaotic 2025 season, has officially reached a “roster dead end.”
As of December 21, 2025, multiple reports confirm that Elder is out of minor league options. This means the Braves no longer have the luxury of using him as a “shuttle” starter between Triple-A Gwinnett and Truist Park. If he does not make the 2026 Opening Day roster, the Braves must place him on waivers, where a “capable starter” with his track record would almost certainly be claimed by a pitching-starved team for nothing in return.
BY THE NUMBERS: THE VALUE OF A “WORKHORSE”
Elder’s 2025 season was a tale of two halves. While his overall 5.30 ERA was inflated by a mid-season slump, his “strong finish” saved a rotation decimated by injuries to Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, and Reynaldo López.
| Metric | 2025 Season Totals | The “Elite” Finish (Last 7 Starts) | Significance |
| Innings | 156.1 | 44.2 | Led the team; proved his durability. |
| ERA | 5.30 | 2.82 | Proved he can still dominate when “on.” |
| K/BB Ratio | 131:51 | 41:8 | Drastic improvement in command late in the year. |
| Options | 0 Remaining | N/A | The central conflict of the 2026 Spring Training. |
THE “COLD ROSTER GAMBLE”
The Braves’ rotation for 2026 is already crowded, creating a “painful question” for Alex Anthopoulos. With Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, and Spencer Schwellenbach locked into the top three spots, Elder is fighting for his life against a wave of younger, “higher-upside” talent:
- The “Schwellenbach/Waldrep” Wave: Both Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep (2.88 ERA in 2025) have established themselves as fixtures.
- The Veteran Competition: Atlanta is reportedly “aggressively” chasing free agents like Framber Valdez or Chris Bassitt to solidify the front end.
- The Bullpen Pivot: Some scouts suggest Elder’s “sinker-slider” mix could play up in a long-relief role, but his lack of high velocity makes him a “risky bet” for a high-leverage bullpen spot.
“KEEP HIM OR LOSE HIM?”
Elder is the definition of a “safety net.” In 2025, when the “relentless” injury list took down four of the five original starters, Elder was the only one who didn’t miss a turn. Discarding that kind of reliability is a gamble that could haunt the Braves if the injury bug strikes again in 2026.
However, the “business of baseball” is rarely sentimental. If the Braves sign a veteran starter and decide Waldrep is ready, Elder becomes the “odd man out” in a numbers game he cannot win from the minors.
THE VERDICT: THE WAITING GAME
For Bryce Elder, Spring Training 2026 will be the most critical six weeks of his career. He is no longer fighting just for a spot; he is fighting for his Braves uniform. If he doesn’t “set himself apart” in North Port, one of the most reliable arms of the last three years may find himself pitching for a rival by April.
