The Atlanta Braves are exploring options to bolster their starting pitching rotation after placing Spencer Schwellenbach on the 60-day Injured List due to offseason elbow discomfort. This move highlights ongoing challenges the team faces in establishing reliability among their starters as Spring Training approaches, with Zac Gallen emerging as a possible key addition.
The rotation has struggled with health setbacks; ace Chris Sale was limited to 20 starts last season following a ribcage fracture, while Spencer Strider pitched in only 23 games after recovering from Tommy John surgery, ending with a 4.45 ERA. Reynaldo Lopez managed a single start, and Schwellenbach made just 17 starts before his elbow injury sidelined him again.
These persistent concerns prompted Robert Murray from Fansided, speaking on the Foul Territory TV podcast, to suggest that the Braves should seriously consider pursuing Zac Gallen, described as an ideal candidate for the team’s pitching needs.
The team that I like—that I think, I don’t believe they’re going to be in on Gallen, but I think the Atlanta Braves should explore that because we’ll get into that here in a little bit, I believe, but they need starting pitching help, and I think that’d be a tremendous fit for them,
Robert Murray, Analyst at Fansided
Gallen posted a 13-15 record with a 4.83 ERA last year. Despite the uneven 2025 campaign, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ right-hander has compiled a 53-39 record with a 3.29 ERA over the prior six seasons, which includes a brief stint with the Miami Marlins in 2019. Several teams are reportedly interested in Gallen’s services, and he may prefer a short-term contract to quickly return to free agency.
Orioles’ Rotation Still Lacks Star Power Despite Adding Chris Bassitt
The Baltimore Orioles have strengthened their pitching staff by signing veteran Chris Bassitt to a one-year, $18.5 million deal, expanding their rotation to six pitchers led by Trevor Rogers. The team’s offseason moves also included acquiring Shane Baz, re-signing Zach Eflin, and retaining Kyle Bradish and Dean Kremer from last season.
However, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal expressed doubts about whether the Orioles have secured a genuine frontline ace, despite these acquisitions.
I do question whether they should have gone for Dylan Cease or Framber Valdez or Ranger Suárez to trade for Freddy Peralta. That’s going to be the thing here. Now, if Rogers is the ace that he appeared to be last season after getting it together, if Bradish gets back to being his ace self, and if Baz fulfills his potential—no problem. They’ve got it.
Ken Rosenthal, MLB Insider
I just don’t know that they have it just yet, and it’s going to be really interesting to see how we view this going forward, how this team performs with this group. I know.
Ken Rosenthal, MLB Insider
Trevor Rogers drew attention last season by setting an Orioles record with a 1.81 ERA across 18 starts, despite missing time due to a kneecap dislocation. Kyle Bradish contributed six starts with an impressive 2.53 ERA. Meanwhile, Shane Baz posted a 4.87 ERA in 31 starts for the Tampa Bay Rays during 2025, and Zach Eflin, who was re-signed, finished last season with a 5.93 ERA in 71.1 innings.
Chris Bassitt joins after delivering a 3.96 ERA over 31 starts with the Toronto Blue Jays, holding a 3.64 career ERA, which adds experience but does not yet solve the question of rotation dominance.
Notable MLB Rumors and Player Developments Affecting the Offseason Landscape
The offseason buzz extends beyond the Braves and Orioles, with several MLB trade rumors and player moves capturing attention. The San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly among the teams interested in outfielder Nick Castellanos, while the New York Mets are considering José Iglesias as a potential acquisition. These developments add layers of complexity to roster planning as teams balance veteran experience with emerging talent.
Dodgers catcher Will Smith has spoken about embracing a principal role alongside stars Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman, highlighting the team’s core strength. Reactions from players such as Blake Snell and Miguel Rojas to Kike Hernandez’s $4.5 million return to the Dodgers have demonstrated the club’s commitment to maintaining depth and chemistry heading into the new season.
Implications for the Braves and MLB Pitching Market Moving Forward
The Braves’ interest in Zac Gallen underscores their anxious yet hopeful approach to resolving rotation instability by targeting a proven starter with experience and the potential to immediately impact the team. If acquired, Gallen could provide much-needed innings and consistency, offering a vital boost given the injury uncertainties surrounding their current rotation.
Meanwhile, the Orioles face a pivotal period where their pitching staff’s cohesion and development will be examined closely. The inclusion of Chris Bassitt adds depth, but the team’s ultimate success hinges on breakout performances from Trevor Rogers, Kyle Bradish, and Shane Baz, as well as the continued health of their starters.
As Spring Training progresses, all eyes will remain on these pitching rotations across MLB, with several clubs navigating the delicate balance of injury recovery and performance expectations. Zac Gallen’s potential signing by the Braves may shift the competitive landscape, while other teams continue to leverage trades and signings to solidify their pitching frontlines in pursuit of postseason success.
Zac Gallen's chance of returning to the D'backs is likely higher now than it was at any point over the offseason, says @ByRobertMurray. pic.twitter.com/bJIH43gY8E
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) February 12, 2026
After signing Chris Bassitt, did the Orioles do enough to bolster their rotation?
"They're in a much better spot than they were at the start of last season, but I question whether they should've gone for Cease, Valdez, Suárez, or Peralta," says @Ken_Rosenthal. pic.twitter.com/hzz5vGN3uG
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) February 12, 2026
