BULLPEN FIXED, BUT ROTATION AND INFIELD LOOMS AS NEXT CHALLENGE
ATLANTA, GA—The Atlanta Braves’ recent aggressive moves—re-signing closer Raisel Iglesias and signing former Padres ace setup man Robert Suárez to a $45 million deal—did not end the conversation. They intensified it. Braves fans now hold their breath, asking whether the next step by General Manager Alex Anthopoulos will define their championship window.
With the bullpen issue largely addressed (after relievers ranked 19th in ERA in a disastrous 2025 season), the pressure immediately shifts to the two biggest remaining holes on the roster: starting pitching depth and shortstop.
THE REMAINING MISSIONS
The Braves have successfully committed to a top-five payroll, positioning themselves to compete with the Dodgers and Mets, but the roster is incomplete. Here are the two bold moves fans are now waiting for:
1. 🎯 The Impact Shortstop
- The Need: Since Dansby Swanson’s departure, the shortstop position has been a weakness, with the position ranking among the lowest in offensive production among contenders. Acquiring utility man Mauricio Dubón provided a “floor,” but not a winning solution.
- The Rumors: The biggest rumor currently shaking the market involves former All-Star Corey Seager of the Texas Rangers. While Seager has a no-trade clause against Atlanta, the pursuit is persistent. A more immediate, high-probability target is Bo Bichette, who would instantly solve the lineup concerns and be a significant offensive upgrade over current options.
- The Mandate: Fans want a true impact bat to pair with Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson, and shortstop is the most logical position to find one.
2. 🛡️ Fortifying the Rotation Depth
- The Need: After a litany of health issues plagued the pitching staff in 2025, the rotation needs another reliable arm. While the top three of Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, and young Spencer Schwellenbach look strong, the backend lacks certainty.
- The Options: Anthopoulos could use the team’s deep pool of young pitching prospects (like Hurston Waldrep or Dylan Dodd) as trade chips to acquire a proven mid-rotation starter with multiple years of control.
- The Pivot: Alternatively, the team could choose to move an existing starter, like Reynaldo Lopez, back to the bullpen to stabilize the middle innings, but that would necessitate bringing in a veteran starter to fill the vacated rotation spot.
THE BOTTOM LINE: A WIN-NOW STANCE
The commitment of over $60 million to the bullpen and the acquisition of veteran outfielder Mike Yastrzemski proves ownership is serious about spending. The question is no longer whether the Braves will make a big move, but whether Anthopoulos will use his remaining payroll flexibility (currently estimated to be about $11 million before the first luxury tax threshold) on one final, franchise-altering piece to secure the championship window before it closes.
The Braves’ fate in October could very well hinge on which of these two positions Anthopoulos tackles next.
