The biggest problem for the Atlanta Braves over the last couple of seasons has been their starting rotation. It hasn't necessarily been a matter of the pitchers severely underperforming, but rather their inability to stay healthy and consistently take the mound every fifth day.

This has become a significant issue for Atlanta, and it proved costly during the playoffs. Heading into 2027, there are still plenty of questions surrounding the rotation, particularly which pitchers will be healthy and available to contribute.

“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.

There is some encouraging news heading into next season, as Spencer Strider is expected to be ready by Spring Training. That would be a major boost for Atlanta as it continues to figure out what its starting rotation will look like.

“Spencer Strider on track to be ready for spring/start of the season," Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos shared via Chad Bishop of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Even with Strider potentially returning, the Braves still need to add more starting pitching. Now is an important time for the organization to be aggressive, especially with so much uncertainty surrounding the rotation. ESPN's Jeff Passan believes Atlanta should pursue Sonny Gray.

“But in a division primed to be loaded with good arms, Atlanta needs to keep up. That might mean right-hander Tyler Mahle, who served as a worthy complement to ace Chris Sale down the stretch. But this isn't about the moves the Braves are willing to make. It's about what would be ideal. And in this case, as good as Mahle was, there's another righty whose fastball sits in the low 90s and still finds ways to keep runs off the board. Sign right-handed starter Sonny Gray,” Passan wrote.

Signing Gray would be a major addition for Atlanta, especially considering the consistency he has provided throughout his career. He is also coming off another strong season as a starter. Gray grew up near Atlanta, making him a familiar name in discussions about a potential move to the Braves over the years.

Gray previously pitched under a $75 million contract with the Boston Red Sox before reaching free agency. With so many questions surrounding the rotation, Atlanta has a clear need to be aggressive in addressing its starting pitching this winter.

Beyond the Braves' obvious need for starting pitching, Gray would bring something the organization has struggled to find in recent seasons: reliability. He has a track record of taking the ball consistently and giving his team a chance to win every time he takes the mound.

Gray was tied with Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Christopher Sanchez for the American League lead in wins this past season. He is a proven right-hander who can work deep into games, giving Atlanta another dependable option in the rotation.

The Braves' pitching staff has been repeatedly depleted by injuries over the last couple of seasons, making dependable starters especially valuable. Adding Gray would provide some stability while taking pressure off the rest of the rotation. With pitching coach Jeremy Hefner also in the mix, Atlanta could have another opportunity to get the most out of a veteran arm.

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