Braves Predicted to Trade for $13M Cy Young-Caliber Arm After Strider Injury

Atlanta must act fast to secure a starter after losing Spencer Strider to an oblique strain.

Mar. 24, 2026 at 6:19am

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The Atlanta Braves have been hit hard by injuries to their starting rotation, including Spencer Strider's oblique strain just before Opening Day. With financial flexibility created by Jurickson Profar's suspension, the Braves are predicted to make a stunning trade for Minnesota Twins starter Joe Ryan, a Cy Young-caliber arm who could help stabilize their pitching staff.

Why it matters

The Braves' rotation was already a concern heading into the season, and the latest injuries have turned it into a full-blown crisis. Securing a reliable, high-caliber starter like Joe Ryan could be crucial for Atlanta's playoff hopes.

The details

The Braves placed young righty Spencer Schwellenbach on the 60-day injured list due to elbow inflammation, and now starter Spencer Strider will begin the season on the IL with an oblique strain. With the rotation in disarray, the Braves could use the financial flexibility created by Jurickson Profar's suspension to target Twins starter Joe Ryan, an All-Star-caliber pitcher who could help stabilize their staff.

  • On March 24, 2026, the Braves announced Spencer Strider's oblique injury.
  • Earlier in Spring Training, the Braves placed Spencer Schwellenbach on the 60-day IL with elbow inflammation.

The players

Spencer Strider

A 25-year-old right-handed starting pitcher for the Atlanta Braves who suffered an oblique strain just before Opening Day.

Spencer Schwellenbach

A 25-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Atlanta Braves who was placed on the 60-day injured list with elbow inflammation.

Joe Ryan

A starting pitcher for the Minnesota Twins who is considered a Cy Young-caliber arm and could be a trade target for the Braves.

Jurickson Profar

An outfielder for the Atlanta Braves who was suspended, creating financial flexibility for the team to make a trade.

Walt Weiss

The manager of the Atlanta Braves.

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What they’re saying

“In the latest blow to the Atlanta Braves' starting rotation, right-hander Spencer Strider will begin the season on the injured list after being diagnosed with an oblique strain, manager Walt Weiss told reporters Monday.”

— Walt Weiss, Manager

“If anyone would come through with a stunning trade and an extension, it'd be Anthopoulos. And there's reason to believe a deal would make sense for both sides. I don't have to explain Atlanta's perspective - they need starting pitching and Ryan is an All-Star at that position. As for the Minnesota Twins, it'd take some convincing, but are they really in a position to compete?”

— Zachary Rotman, Writer

What’s next

The Braves will need to act quickly to secure a trade for Joe Ryan or another high-caliber starting pitcher before the start of the season.

The takeaway

The Braves' rotation has been decimated by injuries, and they must now make a bold move to acquire a top-tier starter like Joe Ryan to stabilize their pitching staff and keep their playoff hopes alive.