The Atlanta Braves have had a forgettable season — one that, realistically, has been lost since June. However, that doesn’t mean manager Brian Snitker is the one to blame. In fact, general manager Alex Anthopoulos appears to bear more responsibility following a lackluster offseason.

“Brian Snitker is the last of the Braves’ worries, and his track record of success has earned him a lot of good grace with the organization. If he really has a desire to manage again in 2026, it’s hard to see a world where the Braves say, ‘Good riddance,’” wrote Sportstalk ATL’s Chase Irle. “If blame must be assigned, it’s hard to ignore the offseason decisions of general manager Alex Anthopoulos. Atlanta entered 2025 with glaring needs at shortstop, in the rotation, bullpen, and outfield — and none were adequately addressed.”

One position Anthopoulos could prioritize — and arguably should have last winter — is starting pitching. A potential target? Dylan Cease.

“The starting pitching market is convoluted this winter, and Cease’s rough year (4.59 ERA in 30 starts) is a big part of that. But the Braves don’t need to find the free-agent starter who’s going to put up the stingiest ERA next season — they need the starter who’s most likely not to miss a few months on the injured list,” SI’sJackson Roberts wrote. “There’s only one pitcher in Major League Baseball with 200 strikeouts in each of the last five seasons, and his initials are D.C. Plus, Cease is an Atlanta area native, so there’s high potential for a bounceback season in the comforts of home.”

Cease has been linked to Atlanta in the past, but nothing has ever materialized. If he returns to form, the Braves’ rotation would become a serious problem — for everyone else.

Still, the biggest issue for Atlanta heading into 2026 remains health. After being plagued by injuries all season, addressing the rotation through free agency must be a top priority. Signing Cease could be a game-changer.

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