The Atlanta Braves endured a disappointing 2025 campaign, falling short of expectations and missing the MLB postseason entirely. With the offseason now underway, the focus shifts toward rebuilding and strengthening the roster through key free-agent additions.
A string of injuries to their pitching staff left the Braves scrambling for arms throughout the year, making the addition of a reliable depth starter a clear offseason priority.
While the team may not chase the most expensive names on the market, one veteran pitcher who spent the 2025 season with the Texas Rangers could be an ideal fit.
Among potential targets, Tyler Mahle stands out as a strong option for Atlanta’s rotation. Set to enter free agency this winter, Mahle offers the kind of experience and upside the Braves desperately need.
Despite missing the latter part of the season due to injury, Mahle had already proven his worth before being shut down, as the Rangers were well out of contention by that point.
In just 16 starts this season, Mahle surpassed his combined workload from 2023 and 2024, throwing 86.2 innings while posting an impressive 2.18 ERA and a 2.1 bWAR.
By the end of the season, Atlanta was forced to rely on replacement-level pitchers to finish games. If the Braves are serious about making a return to October baseball in 2026, upgrading the starting rotation — potentially with an arm like Mahle’s — must be at the top of their offseason agenda.
