During the first week of spring training, the Atlanta Braves faced significant injury challenges as both Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep were diagnosed with loose bodies in their elbows. Schwellenbach has already undergone surgery, and Waldrep is scheduled for the same procedure early next week. The initial prognosis predicts Schwellenbach will be sidelined for approximately three months, but Braves coach Walt Weiss has not committed to firm return dates for either pitcher. These injuries hit the team hard before exhibition games have even begun, prompting concerns about the depth of Atlanta’s starting rotation.
Current Braves Rotation Risks Amid Limited Free Agent Interest
Reports suggest the Braves have shown little engagement in the free agent market for pitchers such as Chris Bassitt and Lucas Giolito, leaving the team with a pressing need to strengthen their starting staff. Although it may appear that Atlanta’s rotation is stable on paper, the recent injuries expose the team to risks that could jeopardize their playoff hopes. The Braves are considering turning to the trade market to secure a reliable and durable starting pitcher to mitigate these concerns. Below are three potential trade targets that could help restore balance to their pitching staff.
Potential Trade Target: Toronto Blue Jays’ Jose Berrios
The Toronto Blue Jays boast a deep pitching staff, which could make Jose Berrios available, especially since his performance with Toronto has been inconsistent. Berrios is under a lengthy seven-year, $131 million contract, and the Braves would likely need to share the financial burden to acquire him. Recent rumors suggest Toronto may entertain offers from teams willing to absorb part of his remaining contract. Last season, Berrios made 30 starts, pitching 166 innings with a 4.17 ERA and registering 138 strikeouts, but he also posted a 4.65 FIP, reflecting some inconsistency.
Affordability and Team Control: Pittsburgh Pirates’ Mitch Keller
Mitch Keller presents a different trade profile, carrying a five-year, $77 million contract that offers the Braves several years of team control. Atlanta could potentially acquire Keller at a lower overall cost compared to Berrios, possibly trading a prospect such as Nacho Alvarez Jr. Keller’s 2025 season included 32 starts over 176.1 innings with a 4.02 FIP and 157 strikeouts, signaling a durable role. The Pirates, rich in young pitching, seem focused on acquiring more right-handed and offensive talent, recently demonstrated by signing former Brave Marcell Ozuna to a one-year deal, which could increase Keller’s availability.
Trade Opportunity with Cincinnati Reds’ Brady Singer
Brady Singer of the Cincinnati Reds has become a notable trade candidate in MLB circles because he is heading into his final pre-free agency season. The Reds’ abundance of young starting pitchers makes Singer a logical candidate for trade discussions. For the Braves, moving early to acquire Singer could prevent competing teams from entering the market later this season. Singer compiled 32 starts with 169.2 innings in 2025, achieving a 3.98 FIP and 163 strikeouts, demonstrating a strong presence in the rotation. While the Braves’ farm system has limited depth, it includes some prospects that might facilitate any of these trade deals.
Evaluating Rotation Needs and Acquisition Challenges
A common theme among the three potential acquisitions is their ability to consistently pitch 30 or more starts and exceed 150 innings, which aligns with what the Braves urgently require to stabilize their rotation. The critical factor in any trade will be whether Braves General Manager Alex Anthopoulos is ready to part with pieces from the existing roster or the prospect pool to strengthen the team. The decision will have significant implications on both the short-term competitiveness of the Braves and their long-term development strategy.
Implications of Injuries and Possible Team Actions Moving Forward
The injuries to Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep have increased pressure on the Braves to seek dependable starting pitchers quickly. The club’s hesitation in free agency and growing interest in trade targets indicate a shift toward building more resilience against injuries. Moving forward, the Braves will likely continue to explore trade opportunities to secure a veteran pitcher capable of anchoring their rotation, which will be vital to sustaining their competitive edge throughout the 2025 season.
“The initial diagnosis for Schwellenbach is that he will miss about three months, but Walt Weiss is not putting a timeline on either of the Braves starters’ return.” ?Walt Weiss, Braves Coach
“There’s been recent speculation that the Blue Jays might be open to moving Jose Berrios if they can find a suitor who will take on a portion of his contract.” ?Unnamed Source
“The Pirates have a wealth of young starters and are more focused on bringing in right-handed or young hitters to their organization.” ?Unnamed Source
