The Atlanta Braves have been active in the rumors this MLB hot stove season. GM Alex Anthopoulus and other high-ranking executives have been adamant about the Braves adding another ‘impact’ arm this winter, and that would have to come in the form of a starter.
Many analysts and writers who cover the Braves understand that Atlanta has had a very positive offseason to this point, but that can be overshadowed if they don’t add another starting pitcher to help bolster the rotation depth. They can add a starter in one of two ways: either via trade or the free agent market. It’s unclear how much the Braves want to spend on starting pitching this offseason, but a recent team writer floated the idea of Blue Jays‘ starter Jose Berrios being a ‘Wild Card’ option for the Braves.
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Braves Insider Floats Jose Berrios As Potential Trade Option
In a recent piece by MLB.com’s Mark Bowman, the experienced team writer takes a deep dive into the Braves’ external starting pitching targets this offseason, and which are attainable versus which are not.
Bowman indicates Blue Jays $131 million arm as being a ‘Wild Card’ option for the Braves:
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“José Berríos: The 31-year-old, two-time All-Star has made 30-plus starts each of the past four seasons for the Blue Jays and he posted a sub 4.00 ERA in two of those seasons. He might be the odd man out as the AL champs prepare to enter 2026 with Dylan Cease, Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, Trey Yesavage and Cody Ponce in their rotation.”
With the Blue Jays’ rotation being so crowded, as Bowman mentions, there aren’t enough innings to go around for everyone. Bowman also adds that Chris Bassitt could be a free agent option for the Braves this offseason.
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Should the Braves Make an Offer for Jose Berrios?
It wouldn’t be a bad idea for the Braves’ front office to at least check on Berríos and see what prospect package it would take to get a trade done. One can assume it would likely take a prospect or two, and Atlanta would have to take on some of Berrios’s large contract.
The durable starter signed a seven-year, $131 million deal before the 2022 season, and has been a stable factor in Toronto’s rotation ever since.
Over five seasons, Berrios has made 138 starts with the Blue Jays and has a 4.08 ERA with the team to go along with 702 strikeouts in 790.2 innings. In 2023, José made 30 starts (his fifth straight having 30+), and posted a 4.17 ERA and recorded 138 strikeouts.
Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, and Spencer Schwellenbach are likely going to head Atlanta’s rotation, but after that, things get hazy, and even Strider needs to prove himself to be a reliable option.
Grant Holmes, Hurston Waldrep, and Joey Wentz figure to battle for rotation spots. It seems as though the Braves are interested in bringing in at least one more reliable starting pitcher.
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Braves Floated as Trade Destination for Blue Jays’ 2-Time All-Star, $131 Million Starter