Four one-year free agent rotation options for Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves starting lineup could undergo an identity change next season. Max Fried and Charlie Morton are free agents that leave open spots in the rotation.

Even factoring in Spencer Strider’s return, there’s still a spot open. While the Braves have top starting talent in Triple-A and other experienced options like Bryce Elder and Ian Anderson, the Braves could still pursue other options.

This could be a bridge rotation opinion as the talent continues to prepare for the major leagues. A team rarely only needs five arms for a season. The Braves have 13 different pitchers starting at least one game in 2024. It wouldn’t hurt to sign another rotation arm.

Let’s look at four one-year options the Braves could explore this offseason. We’re looking for guys who are unrestricted free agents with no options. This remains simple and realistic.

Kyle Hendricks

The Cubs’ longtime starter had his worst season of his career. He finished with a 5.92 ERA and a 1.45 WHIP. These numbers will make you say, “Yikes, but listen to this option.”

So he slowly got used to it again over the course of the season. As of early June, he had a 4.29 ERA. However, he’s obviously no longer the workhorse he once was, but the Braves know how to get the most out of veteran weapons. The 34-year-old right-winger could get a prove-it deal to get his career back on track and secure a longer-term contract.

Spotrac predicts its market value at $4.1 million. This prize is worth a roll of the dice.

Max Scherzer

He is old. He was injured last year. But he wants to pitch in 2025. Why not Atlanta?

Even at 40 years old, Scherzer is a big-game pitcher. In the nine games he started in 2024, he still managed to post a 3.95 ERA. There’s a one-year opportunity to have an all-time great pitcher in the rotation.

If he’s willing to play for a similar contract to last season ($12.5 million), that’s an easy decision. Strengthen the rotation and sell some jerseys while they’re at it.

Matt Boyd

Boyd had a solid return from Tommy John Surgery with the Cleveland Guardians. He finished eight starts with a 2.72 ERA, reaching the sixth inning in five of those starts. For a guy descended from Tommy John, embrace that.

Spotrac’s contract value is set at $3.2 million. He is only valued as an arm on a one-year contract. This is a super cheap deal for an experienced arm who is still in his early 30s. The Braves should at least consider it.

Alex Wood

Why not a reunion at the end? Look, he didn’t have a good year at all in 2024. That ERA of 5.26 is not a pretty number. But the Braves could find a way to fix him up.

Maybe they can bring back the ankle curve he used when he was an All-Star. He is recovering from a rotator cuff injury. But he’s someone who can get you six innings when healthy. For a year, it is a low-risk move along with the alternatives in the agricultural system.