As the Atlanta Braves approach the end of 2024, they are still left with a few gaps in their starting rotation, one of which will be filled when Spencer Strider returns. However, there remains an additional vacancy. While the team has been relatively quiet in terms of major signings, only adding players on minor-league contracts, they still have time to address this key issue before the start of the season. The Braves have been cautioned to manage their finances carefully, meaning they need to be selective about who they bring in for their rotation. It’s unlikely they will push beyond the luxury tax threshold, so they will need to make strategic decisions about their roster.
One promising option for the Braves is Jack Flaherty, a 29-year-old right-handed pitcher who appears to be an ideal candidate for a short-term deal. Flaherty’s experience and consistency make him a valuable addition, and the Braves could potentially sign him to a one-year contract, keeping within their budget. Spotrac estimates that Flaherty could command around $21.1 million, which fits within the Braves’ expected spending range for a short-term deal. For context, Charlie Morton earned $20 million last season, and Flaherty could effectively replace Morton in the rotation, offering a younger, potentially more durable option. Flaherty, 12 years younger than Morton, is coming off a successful rebound season, splitting time between the Detroit Tigers and the Los Angeles Dodgers. After being traded to the Dodgers at the trade deadline, he went on to win his first World Series ring.
In 28 regular-season starts, Flaherty posted a solid 3.17 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and 127 ERA+, along with 194 strikeouts across 162 innings. While his postseason performance was less impressive, with a 7.36 ERA in five starts, his regular-season contributions were valuable. If the Braves are unable to secure Flaherty, they have an alternative in-house option to consider: Ian Anderson. Anderson, who missed the 2023 season recovering from Tommy John surgery, will be vying for a rotation spot during Spring Training. Although it has been a while since Anderson last pitched for the Braves, his potential to contribute remains strong. His most recent big-league appearance was in August 2022, during a doubleheader against the Marlins.
Last season, Anderson made 10 starts for Triple-A Gwinnett, finishing with a 3.96 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, and 53 strikeouts over 52.1 innings. His absence last season, despite the Braves’ pitching struggles, was notable, with the team opting instead to give postseason innings to prospects like AJ Smith-Shawver. Now, fully recovered and ready to return, Anderson will have the opportunity to compete for a spot in the Braves’ rotation. Over his 52 career MLB starts, Anderson has posted a 3.97 ERA and 262 strikeouts in 272.1 innings, with a particularly strong postseason showing during the Braves’ 2021 World Series victory, where he compiled a 1.59 ERA in four starts.
These two pitchers—Flaherty and Anderson—represent the most significant rotation options for the Braves at the moment. However, veteran Charlie Morton, a mainstay in the Braves’ rotation in recent years, is unlikely to return in 2024. Despite previous reports suggesting he might pitch again, Morton is reportedly leaning toward retirement, and the Braves have not shown much interest in bringing him back. Furthermore, right-handed pitcher Nick Pivetta, another free-agent possibility, is not expected to be an option for the Braves due to a qualifying offer attached to him. The Braves are not inclined to surrender a draft pick to sign Pivetta, especially considering his less-than-impressive performance in 2023. Pivetta posted a 4.14 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP across 27 appearances, including 26 starts, with the Boston Red Sox. Given his modest numbers, the Braves would likely prefer to explore other avenues for strengthening their rotation.
