Braves Eye Potential Rotation Upgrade With Joe Ryan Trade

The 2025 season was uncharacteristically rough for the Braves, who finished 76-86 and missed the postseason despite possessing a talented roster. Injuries and inconsistency plagued Atlanta throughout the year, leaving the team with plenty of questions heading into the offseason.

Atlanta’s pitching staff was particularly problematic, ranking near the bottom of the league in several key categories. The Braves finished 22nd in team ERA at 4.36, 20th in WHIP at 1.31, and 19th in opponent batting average at .247. Both the bullpen and starting rotation struggled to find a consistent rhythm, impacting the team’s overall performance.

While young starters like Spencer Strider and Bryce Elder have potential, they failed to provide steady production in 2025. The Braves are looking to supplement their rotation with proven talent that can offer both stability and high-end upside.

One name gaining attention is Minnesota Twins right-hander Joe Ryan. With All-Star credentials and team control through 2027, Ryan represents a potential rotation anchor for Atlanta as they look to rebound in 2026.

1. Joe Ryan’s Profile and Value

Ryan, 29, had a breakout season in 2025, earning his first All-Star nod while pitching to a 3.42 ERA over 31 starts. He logged a career-high 171 innings and struck out 194 batters, marking one of the best seasons of his career. Beyond the statistics, Ryan provides Atlanta with long-term stability, as he remains under team control through 2027. This control makes him more than a one-year rental, an important factor for a team aiming to compete immediately without entering a rebuild. Acquiring Ryan would come at a cost. The Braves would likely need to part with top prospects or major-league talent to land him, making it a serious commitment. However, his potential impact on Atlanta’s rotation could justify the expenditure. The addition of Ryan could help balance the rotation around existing starters, giving the Braves a reliable top-of-the-rotation presence and improving depth for the upcoming season.

2. Implications for the Braves’ Offseason

Atlanta faces stiff competition in the National League East from the likes of the Phillies, Mets, and other contenders. To remain competitive, upgrades like Ryan could be critical in bridging the gap between a disappointing 2025 and contention in 2026. Other avenues for rotation improvement include free-agent signings, though a trade for a controllable starter like Ryan could provide more long-term value. The Braves will need to weigh cost versus potential impact as they prioritize moves this offseason. While Ryan won’t instantly solve all of Atlanta’s challenges, he could stabilize a rotation that struggled significantly in 2025. His presence would also ease pressure on younger pitchers, allowing them to develop without being overexposed. The Braves’ front office must determine whether pursuing a high-profile rotation upgrade like Ryan aligns with their immediate and long-term goals as they prepare for a critical offseason.

3. Looking Ahead

The 2026 season will test whether the Braves can return to contention in the NL East after a disappointing campaign. Strengthening the starting rotation is a clear priority, and Ryan represents a potential cornerstone addition. Atlanta will need to balance roster upgrades across pitching and position players, particularly given the strength of divisional rivals like Philadelphia and New York. Making a high-impact move in the rotation could signal the team’s commitment to competing immediately. Ultimately, the Braves’ ability to rebound depends on strategic offseason decisions and the willingness to invest in established talent. If Ryan joins Atlanta, he could provide the foundation needed to improve their pitching staff and overall competitiveness. *]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir=“auto” tabindex="-1" data-turn-id=“request-WEB:f38ff044-b311-4a77-8b23-c0e069b684df-24” data-testid=“conversation-turn-50” data-scroll-anchor=“true” data-turn=“assistant”>

Acquiring Joe Ryan could give the Braves a reliable top-of-the-rotation starter, providing a critical boost as they aim to rebound from a disappointing 2025 season.