MLB free agency is winding down, which means so are the available options on the market. The Atlanta Braves have already been dealt a few instances of bad news regarding starters on their roster. First, it was reported that Spencer Schwellenbach will miss an extended period of time with an elbow injury, and more recently, Hurston Waldrep could miss up to three months if it’s determined he will need surgery to fix loose bodies in his elbow.
Both of these things only highlight further that the Braves should look to add a veteran arm in some capacity before the 2026 regular season begins. One potential arm available that might be attractive for Atlanta is Zack Littell.
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Braves’ Free Agent Target: Zack Littell
After the news that the Braves are not engaged in Lucas Giolito’s free agency, Atlanta should pivot and target Zack Littell, who posted a 3.82 ERA last season in 186.2 innings with the Reds and Rays. Littell has made 61 starts in the last two seasons and would be perfect to help with Atlanta’s rotation depth.
MLBTradeRumors.com’s Nick Deeds asked the question earlier this week in a post, “Will the Braves add a starter?”:
“Fortunately for them, players like Lucas Giolito, Zack Littell, and Max Scherzer remain available in free agency who could potentially help stabilize things in the team’s rotation. Of course, Alex Anthopoulos and his front office have long been known to buck expectations, and it’s certainly possible they could instead look to pivot to the trade market or find another creative solution to their rotation conundrum.”
GettyCINCINNATI, OHIO – JULY 25: Zack Littell #52 of the Tampa Bay Rays throws a pitch against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on July 25, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Trading for a starter is also an option, but it would likely end up costing the same price as just signing a guy like Littell and potentially a prospect or two.
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What is Zack Littell’s Value?
Zack Littell is playing out his free agency until pretty much the very last moment. All top starters have decided on who their next team will be, but Littell seems to still be weighing his options.
According to Spotrac, Zack Littell’s market value is three-years, $38 million.
Is that a fair price for a starter who has shown over the last couple of years that he can take the ball every fifth day?
That’s for teams to decide, but starters with similar pedigree have also reached one-year deals with certain teams, which is certainly a route the Braves can take if they want to bring in Littell.
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Braves Should Target 3.82 ERA Starter in MLB Free Agency