Braves Seek Trade for $131M 2-Time All-Star to Bolster Depleted Rotation

Atlanta's pitching staff hit with early injuries, putting pressure on GM to find experienced arm

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Atlanta Braves are in urgent need of a reliable starting pitcher after two members of their rotation were ruled out for significant time. Young right-handers Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep both suffered elbow issues, leaving the Braves' pitching staff depleted before the season even starts. With the rotation in crisis, the Braves may pursue a trade for Toronto Blue Jays' veteran starter José Berríos, who is owed $131 million over the next four seasons.

Why it matters

The Braves' rotation was also decimated by injuries last season, and the early setbacks this year are a reminder that no team can afford to stand pat with their pitching depth. General manager Alex Anthopoulos faces pressure to find an experienced arm quickly to stabilize the staff and salvage the Braves' playoff hopes.

The details

Schwellenbach has been placed on the 60-day injured list due to right elbow inflammation, while Waldrep may need surgery to remove "loose bodies" found in his arm after complaining of discomfort. With these two young pitchers sidelined, the Braves are reportedly eyeing a trade for Blue Jays' starter José Berríos, who is owed $131 million over the next four seasons. Berríos, a two-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner, could provide the veteran presence and innings-eating ability the Braves need to weather the early injuries.

  • On the day pitchers and catchers reported to Spring Training, the Braves announced Schwellenbach's 60-day IL placement.
  • Over the weekend, the Braves revealed Waldrep may need surgery after an MRI showed "loose bodies" in his arm.

The players

Spencer Schwellenbach

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

Hurston Waldrep

A young right-handed pitcher in the Braves' rotation who may need surgery to remove "loose bodies" found in his arm after complaining of discomfort.

José Berríos

A two-time MLB All-Star and Gold Glove winner who currently pitches for the Toronto Blue Jays. The Braves are reportedly interested in trading for the veteran right-hander to bolster their depleted rotation.

Alex Anthopoulos

The general manager of the Atlanta Braves who faces pressure to find an experienced starting pitcher to stabilize the team's rotation after the early injuries.

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What’s next

The Braves will wait to learn more about the extent of Waldrep's injury after he undergoes additional tests. The team's front office, led by GM Alex Anthopoulos, will also explore trade options to acquire an experienced starting pitcher like José Berríos to stabilize the rotation.

The takeaway

The Braves' early pitching injuries highlight the fragility of any team's rotation depth, even for a club that reached the playoffs last season. Atlanta's GM must now act quickly to find a reliable veteran arm to keep the Braves' postseason aspirations on track, with the team's recent history of rotation woes serving as a cautionary tale.