With Max Fried now a member of the New York Yankees on a massive deal, what does Atlanta's pitching staff look like prior to the team's eventual foray into free agency
Great Article. I’m rooting for Hackenberg. I think Braun will be more consistent when he reaches the MLB, and both have the potential to make it. If I had to choose between the two, I’d lean toward Braun. Hackenberg’s ability to induce ground balls with his sinker-slider combo is impressive, but Braun’s development has been steady, and his control has taken noticeable strides in recent seasons, which could give him the edge.
I love the idea of Anderson and Holmes in the rotation. Holmes deserves so much credit for his contributions to the Braves in 2024—his work ethic reminds me of Tyler Matzek. Holmes has a history of thriving under pressure, especially in high-leverage situations, and I believe the Braves might run a six-man rotation with Holmes in the sixth spot. He could start games and, with off days, also contribute out of the bullpen. If Holmes excels, he could lock down the fifth starter role.
As for Ian Anderson, he’s had a long road to this opportunity, and I hope he can seize it as the fifth starter. It feels like his time to prove himself, especially after working his way back post-Tommy John surgery.
AJ Smith-Shawver (AJSS) is in an interesting spot. His clock is ticking, but considering he hasn’t pitched extensively, another year in AAA might not hurt. Based on raw arm talent, AJSS seems like the most promising starter close to the big leagues. His slider has become a legitimate weapon, and if he continues refining his secondary pitches, he could quickly become a rotation staple.
Waldrep, meanwhile, is intriguing. He’s working on a pitch to complement his so-so fastball and devastating splitter. His strikeout rate in the minors speaks volumes, but the fastball command and development of a 3rd mlb quality pitch will determine whether he remains a starter or transitions to the bullpen.
I hope Morton makes it back to Atlanta. If he returns, I’d like to see him take a deal in the $8–12 million range, which might help the Braves stay under the Competitive Balance Tax (CBT). That said, it seems increasingly likely they’ll exceed the first CBT threshold given their current needs and the market conditions. Do you think there is a chance the Braves stay under the CBT tax with out making trades to drop payroll? AA has promised they would never make such a trade. Again, great article.
I'm starting to wonder if they go over the CBT - to me, the worst case scenario is to exceed it by like $4M or so, because you could have just reset it at that point.
The recent news from David O'Brien that Atlanta's not really that interested in Charlie Morton makes me wonder a bit more if they're trying a true reset right now.
Good notes on Braun - I just haven't watched as much of him as I have Hackenberg, so that's why my feelings are stronger for Drue right now. Getting more film of Lucas is on my to-do list.
Waldrep's all on his fastball command, as much as I'd love to see him develop a more consistent secondary. Everything relies on the fastball landing for strikes and the splitter breaking below the zone off of that - when the fastball's not on, they can ignore the splitter and take their walks. I want to believe, but some folks I've talked to recently are resigned to him eventually being a killer closer over a rotation staple.
Great Article. I’m rooting for Hackenberg. I think Braun will be more consistent when he reaches the MLB, and both have the potential to make it. If I had to choose between the two, I’d lean toward Braun. Hackenberg’s ability to induce ground balls with his sinker-slider combo is impressive, but Braun’s development has been steady, and his control has taken noticeable strides in recent seasons, which could give him the edge.
I love the idea of Anderson and Holmes in the rotation. Holmes deserves so much credit for his contributions to the Braves in 2024—his work ethic reminds me of Tyler Matzek. Holmes has a history of thriving under pressure, especially in high-leverage situations, and I believe the Braves might run a six-man rotation with Holmes in the sixth spot. He could start games and, with off days, also contribute out of the bullpen. If Holmes excels, he could lock down the fifth starter role.
As for Ian Anderson, he’s had a long road to this opportunity, and I hope he can seize it as the fifth starter. It feels like his time to prove himself, especially after working his way back post-Tommy John surgery.
AJ Smith-Shawver (AJSS) is in an interesting spot. His clock is ticking, but considering he hasn’t pitched extensively, another year in AAA might not hurt. Based on raw arm talent, AJSS seems like the most promising starter close to the big leagues. His slider has become a legitimate weapon, and if he continues refining his secondary pitches, he could quickly become a rotation staple.
Waldrep, meanwhile, is intriguing. He’s working on a pitch to complement his so-so fastball and devastating splitter. His strikeout rate in the minors speaks volumes, but the fastball command and development of a 3rd mlb quality pitch will determine whether he remains a starter or transitions to the bullpen.
I hope Morton makes it back to Atlanta. If he returns, I’d like to see him take a deal in the $8–12 million range, which might help the Braves stay under the Competitive Balance Tax (CBT). That said, it seems increasingly likely they’ll exceed the first CBT threshold given their current needs and the market conditions. Do you think there is a chance the Braves stay under the CBT tax with out making trades to drop payroll? AA has promised they would never make such a trade. Again, great article.
I'm starting to wonder if they go over the CBT - to me, the worst case scenario is to exceed it by like $4M or so, because you could have just reset it at that point.
The recent news from David O'Brien that Atlanta's not really that interested in Charlie Morton makes me wonder a bit more if they're trying a true reset right now.
Good notes on Braun - I just haven't watched as much of him as I have Hackenberg, so that's why my feelings are stronger for Drue right now. Getting more film of Lucas is on my to-do list.
Waldrep's all on his fastball command, as much as I'd love to see him develop a more consistent secondary. Everything relies on the fastball landing for strikes and the splitter breaking below the zone off of that - when the fastball's not on, they can ignore the splitter and take their walks. I want to believe, but some folks I've talked to recently are resigned to him eventually being a killer closer over a rotation staple.