Braves Sign NL East Rival Amid Rotation Woes

Surprise move raises questions about GM Alex Anthopoulos' strategy

Feb. 18, 2026 at 11:55pm

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The Atlanta Braves have signed first baseman Dominic Smith to a minor-league contract, a surprising move given the team's mounting rotation concerns. With starting pitchers Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep dealing with injuries, many expected the Braves to add an arm to their rotation. Instead, they brought in Smith, who doesn't have a clear path to playing time on the current roster.

Why it matters

The Braves' decision to sign Smith rather than address their rotation issues has raised eyebrows, as the team appears to be prioritizing a bench bat over shoring up their starting pitching depth. This move could have significant implications for the Braves' chances of defending their NL East title, especially if their rotation woes continue.

The details

The Braves placed Schwellenbach on the 60-day injured list due to elbow inflammation, while Waldrep may need surgery to remove "loose bodies" in his arm. Despite these setbacks, the Braves opted to sign Smith, a former NL East rival, to a minor-league deal. Smith, who previously played for the New York Mets, doesn't have a clear path to playing time on the Braves' roster, leading to questions about Anthopoulos' strategy.

  • On the first day of Spring Training, the Braves announced Schwellenbach's injury.
  • Less than a week later, the team revealed Waldrep's arm discomfort.

The players

Spencer Schwellenbach

A 25-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Atlanta Braves who has been placed on the 60-day injured list due to elbow inflammation.

Hurston Waldrep

A young right-handed pitcher for the Atlanta Braves who may need surgery to remove "loose bodies" in his arm.

Dominic Smith

A first baseman who has signed a minor-league contract with the Atlanta Braves, despite the team's pressing needs in their starting rotation.

Alex Anthopoulos

The general manager of the Atlanta Braves, whose decision to sign Smith rather than address the team's rotation issues has raised questions.

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What they’re saying

“First baseman Dominic Smith finds job with Atlanta, signing one-year minor-league contract.”

— Bob Nightengale (USA Today)

What’s next

The Braves will need to monitor the progress of Schwellenbach and Waldrep, and may need to add a starting pitcher to their rotation before the start of the season.

The takeaway

The Braves' decision to sign Dominic Smith rather than address their pressing rotation needs has raised questions about the team's strategy and the decision-making of GM Alex Anthopoulos. This move could have significant implications for the Braves' chances of defending their NL East title if they are unable to shore up their starting pitching depth.