Braves predicted to sign ex-Mets $38M veteran two-time all-Star to bolster rotation with Chris Sale originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
For the Atlanta Braves, the 2026 season was full of ups and downs as the team won the NL East once again. It wasn't easy, and injuries to the starting rotation played a big part in making the season difficult.
The rotation is an area where the Braves have struggled over the years, and it is something they just can't seem to shake. Heading into the playoffs, the uncertainty surrounding the rotation was one of the team's biggest question marks.
“There are well-documented reasons why the Braves were in the market for a frontline starter at the Trade Deadline. Though they added a depth piece in Tyler Mahle, they didn't land the type of clear difference-maker that many fans wanted. As the team heads down the stretch, there’s now even more scrutiny on a few things: the lack of a potent 1-2 punch for the postseason, their bullpen's durability and the rotation's overall dependability,” MLB.com’s Jason Foster wrote.
Heading into the offseason, the situation remains largely the same. With the 2027 season approaching, it is unclear what Atlanta's starting rotation will look like.
“While it wasn’t their downfall in the end, the starting rotation has been a constant thorn in the Atlanta Braves’ side for multiple seasons now. For 2026, it was no different. As the page turns to 2027, it’s to see how it shakes up. There will be at least one guarantee. Chris Sale is the ace. You probably guarantee that Bryce Elder is in the mix, too, along with Grant Holmes. After that, we’ll see what happens,” SI’s Harrison Smajovitts wrote.
It is clear that the Braves will need to add pitching this winter. Sports Talk ATL’s Chase Irle believes Atlanta should pursue Clay Holmes.
“Holmes’ season was essentially cut in half after he was struck by a 111 mph line drive that broke his fibula. But he still made 18 starts between the Cubs and Mets, recording a terrific 3.23 ERA — and that comes after a 3.53 ERA in 2025, his first season starting since he was a rookie in 2018. He isn’t going to blow opponents away with his stuff, but he keeps hitters off base and really seemed to find his footing with Jeremy Hefner,” Irle wrote.
Signing Holmes could make sense, especially given his existing connection with Hefner in New York. Their familiarity could give the Braves a clearer idea of how to get the most out of the veteran right-hander and help him maintain his success.
Holmes has the option to exercise his player option with the Chicago Cubs as part of his $38 million deal. However, the veteran starter is widely expected to test the free-agent market.
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