The Atlanta Braves are pushing to make a major addition to their rotation before the offseason concludes. General manager Alex Anthopoulos has emphasized the need for a dependable starter with postseason experience who can deliver late in the season. However, the organization must also weigh its long-term outlook, as only two pitchers are currently under contract beyond 2026.
As HTHB’s Chase Owens noted, aside from Spencer Strider and Spencer Schwellenbach, there are no guaranteed fixtures in the Braves’ rotation past the 2026 season.
The Braves continue to explore multiple possibilities, with Framber Valdez among the pitchers under consideration. Another potential target is Freddy Peralta, who has reportedly been made available by the Milwaukee Brewers. According to HTHB’s Chase Owens, Atlanta could center a deal around Hurston Waldrep in order to land Peralta.
Owens explained that Waldrep, a 2023 first-round selection, was regarded as one of the organization’s top prospects for much of 2024. Although enthusiasm around him cooled somewhat at the start of 2025, Waldrep remained committed to improving his game. Injuries throughout Atlanta’s rotation forced him into the majors sooner than anticipated, but he impressed during his first extended opportunity at the big-league level, generating excitement about his long-term potential.
Landing Freddy Peralta would be a major upgrade for the Braves, particularly if they are able to lock him into a contract extension before the season begins. Swapping Hurston Waldrep for Peralta would provide Atlanta with an established, postseason-tested starter while keeping the team firmly in the playoff hunt.
Atlanta’s priority is getting back to the postseason, and adding Peralta could be the move that helps make that happen. The main risk would be if Peralta ends up staying for only one season, though it’s unlikely Alex Anthopoulos would move forward with a deal unless he was confident the fit would be right long term.
