Braves predicted to sign $75M veteran ex-Yankees 3-time All-Star, AL wins leader this season originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Atlanta Braves' biggest problem has undoubtedly been their starting rotation over the last few seasons, as the group hasn't been able to consistently stay healthy. This season was no different for Atlanta, and it caused problems throughout the year.
The pitching staff performed well in the playoffs, but the Braves could have done more to address their needs. When the team failed to acquire a strong No. 2 starter at the trade deadline, Hammer Territory's Scott Coleman felt Atlanta wouldn't have enough.
“What is most concerning is there's no one coming to help, other than maybe Robert Suarez. This is the team. It's why Alex not adding more at the deadline was so frustrating. They don't have enough to overcome downturns from the stars," Coleman wrote.
The rotation could face major injury concerns next season, as Hurston Waldrep and Spencer Schwellenbach could miss the majority of the year. Outside of Chris Sale, the rotation remains wide open heading into 2027.
“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.
With the Braves needing a top-of-the-rotation starter, Sports Talk ATL's Chase Irle believes Atlanta should sign Sonny Gray.
“This is probably the 50th time I’ve written about the Braves potentially acquiring Sonny Gray, whether via free agency or trade. They always seem to have interest, but it has yet to come to fruition. Maybe that changes this offseason. Gray is expected to decline his $30 million mutual option with the Red Sox after another stellar campaign, one in which he recorded a league-leading 18 wins with a 2.72 ERA. That kind of production is going to cost a pretty penny, but Gray seems to find success everywhere he goes,” Irle wrote.
Gray tied Christopher Sanchez for the most wins among starting pitchers in the league this season. He would be an excellent addition to Atlanta's rotation, bringing consistency and experience to a group that has struggled to stay healthy.
Gray is on a $75 million contract with the Boston Red Sox. Signing him would bolster the Braves' roster in several ways. Atlanta needs to address its rotation this offseason, and pursuing Gray would be a great place to start.
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