The Atlanta Braves’ approach to filling the fifth spot in their starting rotation remains uncertain. When Spencer Strider returns early in the season, he will join Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach, and Reynaldo López as the established starters. However, with Max Fried’s departure to the New York Yankees, the final rotation spot is up in the air.
The Braves could potentially look to their minor league system for internal options, though many of these pitchers spent the previous year in Triple-A. Alternatively, they could explore trades or free agency, though the team has been notably quiet on both fronts this winter.
At this point, Jack Flaherty, a former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher, is the most prominent name available. However, high-profile free agents like Flaherty often command hefty contracts, and the Braves have not been known for making such big moves recently.
Instead, Erik Kratz of Foul Territory suggested earlier this week that the Braves might pursue Nick Pivetta, the former Boston Red Sox starter. Pivetta is often seen as a potential breakout candidate due to his high strikeout rates and swing-and-miss ability. Kratz believes the Braves could offer him a home where expectations are lower, giving him the opportunity to exceed those expectations and surprise many.
Pivetta, entering his age-32 season, has yet to deliver a full, standout campaign in his major league career. However, he consistently strikes out over 10 batters per nine innings, and if he can address his home run issues—he allowed 28 last season—he could develop into a significant asset.
Pivetta earned $7.5 million in 2024 in his final year of arbitration and turned down a $21.05 million qualifying offer from the Red Sox in November. Any team that signs him will forfeit their second-round draft pick, which may be deterring some suitors.
However, once Pivetta does sign, if it’s with Atlanta, the rest of the league should be wary of how the Braves might help him reach his full potential.
