🚨BREAKING: Braves Predicted to Sign $7M All-Star with World Series Experience to Join Spencer Strider👇

The Atlanta Braves’ 2026 season is shaping up to be a critical one, especially as they look to improve their starting rotation. While the Braves made solid moves during the offseason, they failed to sign a starting pitcher, and that decision is now coming back to haunt them. Injuries have already hit the team hard, with key pitchers Spencer Schwellenbach, Hurston Waldrep, and Joey Wentz all sidelined. As a result, General Manager Alex Anthopoulos is now actively looking for a solution to strengthen the pitching staff.

“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 have clearly identified the need to bolster their rotation, and with the injuries mounting, time is running out to make a move.

Profar Suspension Opens Up Potential for Low-Cost Signing

While the Braves have spent much of their budget elsewhere, the recent suspension of designated hitter Jurickson Profar has likely freed up some cap space. Profar has been handed a 162-game suspension after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs for the second time in a year. This suspension, as ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported, will cost Profar his $15 million salary, making room for the Braves to make a strategic signing.

This has prompted speculation that the Braves could turn to Nestor Cortes, a $7 million All-Star with World Series experience, as a low-cost option to add depth to their starting rotation. While Cortes wouldn’t be able to help immediately due to injury recovery, his history as a reliable bullpen piece with solid strikeout and walk rates could make him an ideal candidate to step in and fill the gap until the injured pitchers return.

Cortes Brings Valuable Experience and Flexibility to Braves’ Rotation

Cortes, known for his impressive strikeout rate of 25.2% and a walk rate of just 6.2% from 2021 through 2024, could be an impactful addition for the Braves. Although he would not be ready to contribute when the season begins, Cortes brings flexibility and experience. He has shown the ability to come out of the bullpen, which could prove invaluable if additional injuries occur or if the Braves’ pitching staff needs some added depth during the season.

In a three-team division race, having a dependable pitcher like Cortes could help the Braves compete, especially if they want to avoid the struggles they faced last year when they missed the playoffs. Bringing in a pitcher with Cortes’ experience could provide the Braves with the reliable presence they need in the rotation, giving them the flexibility to keep the team competitive until the injured pitchers return.

The Braves’ Quest to Compete for a Playoff Spot

The Braves are determined to make the playoffs in 2026 after a disappointing season where they failed to secure a postseason spot. Starting slow for the second consecutive year would be disastrous, and they know that strengthening their rotation is crucial to avoid falling behind early. The addition of a pitcher like Nestor Cortes could play a key role in stabilizing the rotation, especially with the injuries to key pitchers already causing concern.

The Braves will continue to monitor their rotation situation, keeping an eye on potential signings and trade opportunities as the season progresses. With the team’s sights set on the playoffs, adding depth to their pitching staff remains a top priority as they look to avoid the same mistakes from last season. The next few weeks could be critical in determining how well the Braves position themselves for a successful 2026 season.

Braves Fans Can Hope for Reinforcements Soon

As the Braves’ rotation struggles to stay healthy, fans are hoping for reinforcements soon. With the deadline for roster decisions looming, Atlanta’s front office has little time to waste. Cortes could provide the team with a stopgap solution until the injured pitchers return, and the Braves’ ability to make a smart, cost-effective signing could determine whether they make a push for the playoffs or fall short once again.

Stay tuned as the Braves continue to navigate the challenges of the 2026 season, looking for ways to strengthen their roster and avoid the same pitfalls that hindered their performance last year. The clock is ticking, and the Braves are determined to make sure they don’t miss out again.