Braves could sign $13M Cy Young-caliber arm to pair with Chris Sale in move that may 'backfire'

The Atlanta Braves are heading into a crucial offseason if they want another shot at the World Series. One of the main issues that needs to be addressed is the health of their pitchers.

“Joe Jimenez was shut down from throwing last week due to renewed soreness in his surgically repaired left knee. This seemed like a major obstacle to Jimenez’s chances of returning to action before the end of the 2025 season, and Braves manager Brian Snitker confirmed today to reporters (including Gabriel Burns of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution) that Jimenez indeed won’t be back in action this year. It also seems like injured starters Reynaldo Lopez and Spencer Schwellenbach have thrown their last pitches of 2025, as Snitker was doubtful either right-hander would be activated from the 60-day injured list before season’s end,” MLB Trade Rumors’ Mark Polishuk wrote.

The most consistent arm this past season was none other than Bryce Elder.

“The reality is that Elder, while having his own issues at times, prevented another can of worms from being cracked open. They needed the rotation arm and he was just that,” SI’s Harrison Smajovits wrote. “We already know someone is going to get hurt. The last two seasons make it impossible to anticipate anything else. So, the Braves would be wise to have him somewhere in the organization ready and waiting. He’s shown he can step up.”

The Braves need to add another arm or two. While acquiring a strong pitcher could be a huge boost, the move carries some risk.

“Cease has been tied to the Braves as a trade target in the past. There's a chance he could be a fit for Atlanta in free agency, but he is a Boras client, which could prove to be a challenge. He could fit well into Atlanta's rotation, but it's a move that could backfire on them,” HTHB’s Steven Teal wrote.

Landing Cease would greatly stabilize the rotation, but if he struggles or fails to maintain his form over the season, Atlanta could quickly find itself back at square one. A healthy rotation is essential for a deep postseason run, and Cease could be the key—if everything falls into place.

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