Assuming none of the young pitching talents are traded, the Atlanta Braves face the imperative task of securing at least two of these burgeoning arms to solidify their starting rotation for the upcoming 2024 season.
While the overall outlook for the 2024 rotation appears promising, contingent on the health of key players, much attention has been directed towards the post-2024 scenario, particularly in light of potential departures of Max Fried and Charlie Morton.
Contemplating the uncertainties inherent in projecting the future of any pitching rotation due to the volatility of pitchers, the Braves are considering the strategy of entering 2024 with the hope of identifying arms that can establish themselves as long-term rotation fixtures.
The article acknowledges the unpredictable nature of injuries and regression, highlighting the bygone era when teams could rely on a trio of formidable pitchers like the Braves did with Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz.
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Despite the option of potentially signing a free agent or making a trade to fortify the rotation, the Braves acknowledge the necessity of nurturing internal arms to ensure stability.
The piece outlines several candidates poised to earn a spot in the 2024 rotation:
1. Bryce Elder: Projected as SP2 for 2025 behind Spencer Strider, Elder, despite an All-Star season, needs to validate his place in the rotation during 2024.
2. Reynaldo Lopez: A wildcard choice, the Braves aim to transition Lopez back to a starter, banking on his success as a reliever translating to solid starts.
3. Ian Anderson: Initially considered a reliable middle-to-top-of-the-rotation arm, Anderson faces a pivotal 2024 season to dispel concerns about wildness and pitch variety.
4. Huascar Ynoa: After a promising stretch in 2021, Ynoa encountered setbacks but enters 2024 with an opportunity to regain form and contribute, either as a starter or bullpen asset.
5. AJ Smith-Shawver: A young pitcher who held his own in 2023, Smith-Shawver needs to address command issues but possesses the potential to be a future top-of-the-rotation arm.
6. Hurston Waldrep: Though not on the 40-man roster, Waldrep, with more experience, is seen as a contender for a rotation spot in 2024.
The article emphasizes that if two of these pitchers can demonstrate consistency in 2024, it would significantly enhance the Braves’ future rotation.
While acknowledging the need for subsequent offseason moves to secure another top-of-the-rotation arm, the focus remains on cultivating depth and solidity within the rotation.
The piece concludes by highlighting additional prospects like Spencer Schwellenbach, Owen Murphy, Cade Kuehler, Drue Hackenberg, and J.R. Ritchie, signaling the Braves’ commitment to building a sustainable core in their pitching rotation to complement their formidable lineup of position players.
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