Braves predicted to sign $7M All-Star with World Series experience to join Spencer Strider originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Atlanta Braves did a fantastic job this offseason of getting exactly what they needed. However, they didn’t make a signing when it came to a starting pitcher. That decision has quickly come back to haunt them, as Spencer Schwellenbach, Hurston Waldrep, and Joey Wentz are all hurt. Perhaps Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos was being too picky with his potential signings.

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“We’ve explored the starting rotation, adding and getting some type of starter, whether that’s trade or signing. We’d like for it to be someone impactful, someone we think can start a playoff game,” Anthopoulos said.

The Braves spent all of their money elsewhere and haven’t had many places to turn after the injuries. Jurickson Profar’s recent suspension has likely freed some cap space, depending on the appeal.

“Atlanta Braves designated hitter Jurickson Profar is facing a 162-game suspension after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug for the second time in the last year, sources told ESPN on Tuesday. Profar, 33, is the sixth player to receive a 162-game ban for PED use since Major League Baseball increased the penalty for two-time offenders to a full season in 2014. He will forfeit the entirety of his $15 million salary,” ESPN’s Jeff Passan wrote.

The Braves could make a low-cost signing by bringing Nestor Cortes to Atlanta.

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“Obviously, Cortes wouldn’t be able to help them when the season kicks off later this month. But he has experience coming out of the bullpen, and he averaged a 25.2% strikeout rate to a 6.2% walk rate from 2021 through 2024. Why wouldn’t the Braves consider adding him in hopes he could replicate something similar to that in what could be a three-team division race? The less we see of Bryce Elder and Didier Fuentes in 2026, the better,” FanSided’s Jake Elman wrote.

The Braves are in dire need of a starter to fill out the rotation until some pitchers return from injury. Cortes wouldn’t be ready immediately, but he could be a more reliable option if additional injuries occur.

Atlanta is looking to make the playoffs after missing out last season, so it is extremely important not to start slow for the second consecutive year. The Braves will continue monitoring their rotation situation.

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