The Atlanta Braves head into what could be a pivotal offseason as they look to defend their NL East title for the first time in several seasons. Atlanta reclaimed the division after briefly taking a backseat to its rival, the Philadelphia Phillies.

This winter, the Braves already have a clear priority: upgrading their starting rotation. Chris Sale is the only member of the current rotation who appears to be a lock to be there on Opening Day.

“While it wasn't their downfall in the end, the starting rotation has been a constant thorn in the Atlanta Braves' side for multiple seasons now. For 2026, it was no different. As the page turns to 2027, it's to see how it shakes up. There will be at least one guarantee. Chris Sale is the ace. You probably guarantee that Bryce Elder is in the mix, too, along with Grant Holmes. After that, we'll see what happens," SI's Harrison Smajovits wrote.

There are also major concerns that three key starting pitchers could miss the entire 2027 season.

“The Atlanta Braves enter another offseason trying to solve the same puzzle: how to enhance their starting rotation. In 2026, they hoped Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep were the cavalry needed to solve the issues. But all three dealt with injuries and can't be counted on to pitch in 2027," The Athletic's Jesus Cano wrote.

With Atlanta in desperate need of another frontline starter, SI's Roman Janeiro believes the Braves should pursue Shota Imanaga.

“The good news, and the reason I think the Braves should take a flyer on the southpaw, is that Atlanta pitching coach Jeremy Hefner proved to be something of a secret weapon for the team in 2026. Hefner took a starting rotation ravaged by injuries and maximized the performance of names that might have otherwise gotten lost in the shuffle, such as Martín Pérez, Grant Holmes and Tyler Mahle, and turned Atlanta into a top-five staff. Not to mention Ray Kerr and his postseason hero moment. All that to say, if there's anyone who can help refine Imanaga into giving up fewer home runs, Hefner would be that guy. And if he could, Imanaga is exactly what the Braves need: an affordable veteran lefty to back up Chris Sale who keeps strikeouts high and walks low,” Janeiro wrote.

There is little doubt that adding Imanaga would give Atlanta a formidable pairing of left-handed starters for opposing teams to deal with. He has also demonstrated the ability to take the ball consistently, making him an appealing option for an organization that needs more dependable innings.

Imanaga played under a $22 million contract with the Chicago Cubs in 2026. Joining Atlanta would give him the opportunity to work alongside one of the best left-handed pitchers in baseball in Sale while potentially becoming a key piece of the rotation for years to come.

Why the Braves should sign Imanaga

Simply put, Atlanta needs starting pitchers who can stay healthy and provide consistent production. That has been a challenge for the organization over the last couple of seasons, but Imanaga has demonstrated the ability to remain available throughout his major league career.

The southpaw also brings elite command, making it difficult for hitters to capitalize on mistakes and reach base. Adding another experienced arm to the clubhouse would be valuable, too. With pitching coach Jeremy Hefner already demonstrating his ability to get the most out of Atlanta's rotation, Imanaga could have another level of potential to unlock.

The Braves are expected to be aggressive this offseason, and pursuing Imanaga would be a significant step toward addressing their biggest roster need. He has many of the qualities Atlanta is looking for in a starting pitcher, making this a move that makes plenty of sense.

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