What Will the Braves Rotation Look Like in 2026?
The Braves’ 2025 rotation was absolutely pummeled with injuries, at some point even taking out the entire Opening Day starting rotation. With players like rising star Spencer Schwellenbach and 2024 all-star Reynaldo Lopez coming back in 2026 from season-ending injuries, things look hopeful for 2026. However, questions remain about the depth and longevity of this Braves rotation. Ultimately, the Braves entered 2025 similarly to how they are set up currently, a seemingly strong rotation that was fully healthy before the season.
Currently, the projected starting rotation would be composed of Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach, and Reynaldo Lopez, with the fifth spot being able to be filled with a mix of players. The spot could be filled with Hurston Waldrep, Joey Wentz, Bryce Elder, or Grant Holmes. The fifth spot, being able to be either a 2023 all-star and a rookie currently posting a 3.04 ERA through nine games, definitely seems like a good problem to have. Yet, with the breakdown of the starting rotation and the bullpen this season, Braves fans have plenty of worries coming into next season.
With a slate of solid players, a six-player rotation could be in the mix for the Braves. It will definitely be helpful as it will reduce the load of their starting pitcher, hopefully preventing IL stints. Another bright spot of having a six-man rotation is that it could allow for starting pitchers to go deeper into games and reduce the need for bullpen arms early in the season. This decision would bring much-needed relief, as currently the closer role for the Braves remains a question mark, as veteran Raisel Iglesias is entering free agency.
After having a seven-year streak of playoff berths end, the 2026 season needs to be a bounce-back season. There is an added urgency as they have their core players locked up for the foreseeable future. The bounceback starts by seeing how to stabilize their starting rotation. A process that needs to be thought about, starting now with the final week of the season. The talent for a top rotation is there; it's just a matter of keeping those players on the field. While the Braves could easily sign a workhorse this offseason, that will take away funds from possibly revamping the bullpen or a badly needed shortstop. If the Braves could deal with this problem in-house, it could be a real help to bring them back to form.
