Braves Face Offseason Challenges as Key Pitching Targets Slip Away
As the holiday season unfolds, the Atlanta Braves find themselves at a crossroads, watching as their potential pitching targets fade away like hot commodities on Black Friday. In rapid succession, the Braves have seen two prime candidates for their rotation disappear: Sonny Gray has been traded to the Boston Red Sox, while Georgia native Dylan Cease has signed with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Departures Impacting Rotation Plans
Both Gray and Cease were viewed as strategic additions to bolster the Braves’ starting rotation. Their decisions to join American League teams signal a significant setback for Atlanta, which had hoped to enhance its pitching depth. Cease’s new contract with Toronto reportedly averages around $30 million per season over a seven-year term, a financial commitment that likely exceeds the Braves’ long-term budgetary plans. Additionally, Cease had received a qualifying offer, meaning Atlanta would have forfeited a valuable draft pick—potentially the one awarded for Drake Baldwin’s Rookie of the Year performance—if they pursued him.
Gray’s situation presents a slightly different narrative. With the St. Louis Cardinals subsidizing over $20 million of his deal, the Red Sox are ultimately responsible for $21 million. While Gray’s contract would have made him one of the highest-paid players on the Braves roster for a couple of seasons, it would have required the team to part with some of its most coveted prospects—a sacrifice Atlanta may not be willing to make.
The Search for Alternatives Continues
With Gray and Cease now off the table, the Braves are left reassessing their options. The team’s involvement in the pursuit of these pitchers remains unclear, but their absence underscores the urgency for Atlanta to act. Starting pitching remains a top priority as the offseason progresses, and there are still opportunities to explore.
It’s early in the offseason, and while the landscape is shifting, sitting idle could lead to missed opportunities. The Braves are intent on making improvements and appear to be ready to increase their payroll compared to last year. While there’s no immediate need for alarm, the clock is ticking.
Potential free-agent targets still available include standout pitchers like Framber Valdez, Zac Gallen, Ranger Suarez, and Michael King—each of whom is not tied to a qualifying offer. Options become more limited with older veterans like Chris Bassitt and, although names like Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer circulate as possibilities, they carry an air of skepticism until confirmed.
Looking Ahead in the Offseason
As the Braves navigate this challenging offseason, the priority remains clear: secure reliable starting pitching. The recent departures of Gray and Cease serve as a reminder of the competitive nature of the market. The Braves must act decisively to avoid further losses, as they maintain a vision of strengthening their roster for the upcoming season. The journey is far from over, and the franchise remains focused on finding the right fit to complement their competitive aspirations.
