Braves News: Draft options, Martin Maldonado, more

"Some look at their solid (although injury-riddled) rotation depth and see no need, but the frequency of pitching injuries in the modern game begs to differ. I additionally would not be surprised to see Bryce Elder traded this offseason, as a fringy major league starter like that has substantially less value without minor league options. Acquiring a starter is tricky though, especially of the impact variety, which is the stated goal for the Braves."

"It almost has to be via trade or substantial free agent contract, which would likely cost the Braves the 26th pick in the 2026 draft. This becomes a complicated analysis of player quality, contract value, and asset value of prospects and draft capital. Handing out the type of contracts that free agents are likely to get and giving up the draft pick was never an appealing option to me for the available options this offseason outside of Dylan Cease."

"The trade market is always hard to read though, with availability and prospect cost often difficult to ascertain from the outside. That said, I think this front office has generally displayed good process and good results on the trade market, so I am inclined to trust them with another one here over a hefty contract on one of the available starters. We continue looking at prospects that could pique the Braves' interest with the 9th pick in the upcoming draft, this time with Tyler Bell."

With other needs generally filled, starting pitching is the clear remaining offseason need for the Braves. Rotation depth appears solid but is injury-riddled and vulnerable given the high frequency of pitcher injuries. Bryce Elder could be traded because a fringy major-league starter without minor league options has reduced value. Acquiring an impact starter will likely require a trade or a substantial free-agent contract that would probably cost the 26th pick in the 2026 draft. The decision requires balancing player quality, contract cost, prospects, and draft capital. The front office has shown solid trade process and results, and prospect evaluation continues with Tyler Bell as a potential ninth-pick target.

Read at Battery Power