{"id":168522,"date":"2026-03-24T08:32:03","date_gmt":"2026-03-24T08:32:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=168522"},"modified":"2026-03-24T08:32:03","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T08:32:03","slug":"%f0%9f%9a%a8-warning-championship-teams-dont-collapse-when-one-star-goes-down-but-the-atlanta-braves-just-might-without-spencer-strider-6-moves-are-out-there-but-be-honest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=168522","title":{"rendered":"\ud83d\udea8 WARNING: Championship teams don\u2019t collapse when one star goes down\u2014but the Atlanta Braves just might without Spencer Strider. 6 moves are out there, but be honest\u2014does any of it actually fix this?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Atlanta Braves<\/span><\/span> are heading into the 2026 season with a serious and rapidly escalating problem\u2014one that could completely reshape their early-season outlook. With ace Spencer Strider<\/span><\/span> suffering an oblique injury just days before Opening Day, the Braves now find themselves dealing with a full-blown pitching crisis.<\/p>\n

And at the center of it all is one pressing question: how long can Alex Anthopoulos<\/span><\/span> afford to wait before taking action?<\/p>\n

\"6<\/p>\n

A Rotation in Crisis<\/h3>\n

Pitching depth is often tested over the course of a long MLB season\u2014but for Atlanta, that test has arrived before the season has even begun. Strider\u2019s injury is not an isolated issue. He now joins a growing list of sidelined arms, including Spencer Schwellenbach<\/span><\/span>, AJ Smith-Shawver<\/span><\/span>, Hurston Waldrep<\/span><\/span>, and Joey Wentz<\/span><\/span>. That\u2019s five starting pitchers on the injured list before the first pitch of the season.<\/p>\n

As a result, what was once projected to be one of the Braves\u2019 greatest strengths has quickly become a glaring weakness. The current rotation, led by Chris Sale<\/span><\/span> and Reynaldo L\u00f3pez<\/span><\/span>, lacks both reliability and depth. Sale, while still capable of dominance, has a long injury history. L\u00f3pez has shown flashes, but recent velocity concerns raise questions. Behind them, options like Grant Holmes<\/span><\/span>, Bryce Elder<\/span><\/span>, and Jos\u00e9 Su\u00e1rez<\/span><\/span> do not inspire much confidence as a full-time rotation core.<\/p>\n

In short, this is not a staff built to contend\u2014at least not in its current form.<\/p>\n

Why the Braves Must Act Now<\/h3>\n

\"6<\/p>\n

Anthopoulos has built a reputation as one of the most aggressive and creative executives in baseball. From acquiring Matt Olson<\/span><\/span> to pulling off deals for Sean Murphy<\/span><\/span> and even revitalizing the rotation with Sale, he has consistently shown a willingness to make bold moves when the situation demands it.<\/p>\n

This is one of those moments.<\/p>\n

Waiting for injured pitchers to return is a risky strategy, especially with no clear timelines. Early-season losses count just as much as late-season ones, and falling behind in a competitive National League could prove costly. If the Braves truly view themselves as contenders, standing pat is simply not an option.<\/p>\n

Trade Market Options<\/h3>\n

One realistic and intriguing target is Dean Kremer<\/span><\/span> of the Baltimore Orioles<\/span><\/span>. Despite being a reliable starter who has logged at least 125 innings in each of the past four seasons with a sub-4.00 ERA, Kremer was surprisingly left off Baltimore\u2019s Opening Day roster due to roster depth and scheduling flexibility.<\/p>\n

For Atlanta, Kremer represents exactly the type of pitcher they need: dependable, durable, and relatively affordable. He may not be an ace, but he is a clear upgrade over the back-end options currently in the Braves\u2019 rotation. More importantly, he\u2019s attainable\u2014a key factor given how difficult it is to execute major trades this close to Opening Day.<\/p>\n

Another name worth monitoring is Luis Severino<\/span><\/span>. While his tenure with the Oakland Athletics<\/span><\/span> has been underwhelming, there are reasons to believe a change of scenery could benefit both sides. Severino has proven he can handle a full workload, logging 160+ innings in each of the past two seasons. His struggles appear to be tied, at least in part, to unfavorable conditions and inconsistency rather than a complete decline in ability.<\/p>\n

Given his contract and reported dissatisfaction, he may be available at a relatively low acquisition cost\u2014making him a worthwhile gamble for a Braves team in need of innings.<\/p>\n

Then there\u2019s the dream scenario: Joe Ryan<\/span><\/span> of the Minnesota Twins<\/span><\/span>. While a deal for Ryan would be difficult to pull off, it\u2019s not entirely out of character for Anthopoulos. Ryan is an All-Star caliber pitcher who would immediately transform Atlanta\u2019s rotation.<\/p>\n

From Minnesota\u2019s perspective, a rebuild could justify moving a high-value asset like Ryan\u2014especially if they are not in a position to compete. For Atlanta, it would require a significant package, but it could also be the move that salvages their season.<\/p>\n

Free Agent Solutions<\/h3>\n

\"Braves<\/p>\n

If trades prove too complicated, the free agent market offers more immediate solutions.<\/p>\n

Lucas Giolito<\/span><\/span> stands out as one of the most logical fits. Despite some inconsistency, Giolito remains a durable innings-eater capable of stabilizing a rotation. He threw 145 innings last season and has a track record of handling heavy workloads. For a Braves team desperate for reliability, that alone has immense value.<\/p>\n

Another option is Patrick Corbin<\/span><\/span>. While far removed from his peak years, Corbin showed signs of competence in 2025, posting a 4.40 ERA across 155 innings. That level of production may not be exciting, but it is serviceable\u2014and right now, serviceable might be enough.<\/p>\n

A more high-risk, high-reward option would be Nestor Cortes<\/span><\/span>. Injuries have limited him recently, but his past performance\u2014including an All-Star season\u2014suggests he still has upside. While he may not be an immediate solution, he could provide valuable depth later in the season.<\/p>\n

The Bigger Picture<\/h3>\n

The Braves are not just dealing with injuries\u2014they are facing a defining moment early in their season. The decisions made in the coming days could have long-term implications, not only for 2026 but for the overall trajectory of the franchise.<\/p>\n

Anthopoulos has built a roster capable of competing at the highest level. But even the most talented teams cannot overcome a lack of pitching. Depth matters. Durability matters. And right now, the Braves have neither.<\/p>\n

Final Thought<\/h3>\n

Another injury might be bad luck. Five injuries is a crisis.<\/p>\n

The path forward is clear: the Braves must act\u2014and they must act quickly. Whether through trades, free agent signings, or a combination of both, reinforcements are no longer optional. They are essential.<\/p>\n

If history is any indication, Anthopoulos won\u2019t sit still for long. The only question is not if<\/em> he makes a move\u2014but how big<\/em> that move will be.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The Atlanta Braves are heading into the 2026 season with a serious and rapidly escalating problem\u2014one that could completely reshape their early-season outlook. 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