The Atlanta Braves are shifting their focus toward bolstering the starting rotation after securing relief pitcher Evan Phillips to a three-year, $35 million contract.
The team is looking ahead to the 2027 season after finishing the previous campaign with a 94-68 record and an NLDS exit against the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to reports from ClutchPoints.
MLB insiders Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic suggest the organization’s current pitching blueprint relies heavily on 21-year-old Didier Fuentes.
Fuentes, who transitioned to the bullpen last season, recorded a 2.45 ERA with 92 strikeouts and three saves, noted the insiders.
The team now intends to stretch out the young arm to serve as a starting pitcher for the upcoming season, as noted by the outlets.
Despite the addition of Phillips, who returned to the Dodgers in July following Tommy John surgery, Atlanta is still pursuing further depth.
League insiders say the team wants to add at least one more starter to the roster, as reported by ClutchPoints.
Veteran right-hander Sonny Gray has been identified as an obvious fit for the Braves, given his proximity to Nashville and his successful 18-5 season with the Boston Red Sox.
“Whatever the outcome with Fuentes, it would behoove the Braves to add at least one starter,” wrote Rosenthal and Sammon in The Athletic.
The front office is also weighing the possibility of re-signing Raisel Iglesias or acquiring a setup pitcher to work in front of Phillips and Suarez.
The team remains committed to improving its pitching staff as the offseason progresses, according to recent reports.