Braves predicted to pair Chris Sale with rival 2-time All-Star, boasting 1.48 postseason ERA

Braves predicted to pair Chris Sale with rival 2-time All-Star, boasting 1.48 postseason ERA originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Atlanta Braves are coming off a season that fell well short of expectations. Now, as they move into the 2026 campaign, the organization faces several changes, starting with the manager position. A major point of emphasis this offseason will be addressing both the starting rotation and the bullpen. After 2026, the rotation could look dramatically different.

“Beyond Spencer Strider and Spencer Schwellenbach, there are no clear locks for the Atlanta Braves rotation beyond 2026,” HTHB’s Chase Owens wrote.

It’s no secret that Atlanta needs another starter and significant bullpen help. There are plenty of directions they can go in free agency, but the smaller deals GM Alex Anthopoulos continues to make are already sounding alarms.

“The Braves must understand they are stuck in the same National League as the Los Angeles Dodgers, who already have a 2026 payroll of over $240 million, per Spotrac. For Atlanta not only to have a chance to return to contention, but to have a chance to compete with the back-to-back World Series champs, there must be a willingness to spend what it takes to patch obvious holes,” ATL All Day’s Nick Halden wrote.

One potential splash move would be signing division rival Ranger Suárez to strengthen the rotation.

“This could open the door for a free agent signing like Ranger Suarez. Suarez would give the Braves another filthy left-hander in the rotation. According to Fangraphs, he is projected to earn a five-year, $125 million contract. That's a pretty penny, but it's to be expected after back-to-back All-Star seasons. If Atlanta signed him, they'd have a rotation featuring two of the best sliders in baseball,” HTHB’s Steven Teal wrote.

Suárez has always been a difficult matchup for the Braves, so adding him wouldn’t be a bad idea. Pairing the lefty with Chris Sale would be a nightmare for opposing hitters.

The Braves need a proven arm, and Suárez has established himself over the last two years. His addition would significantly bolster an already solid Atlanta rotation.

More MLB news:

1. Yankees GM Brian Cashman has clear stance on Cody Bellinger after Aaron Judge, Trent Grisham remark
2. Mets' Brandon Nimmo-Marcus Semien trade opens door for signing $140M World Series champion rival
3. Yankees trade prediction lands $325M, 2-time World Series MVP, sparking Anthony Volpe dilemma
4. Braves make $6.1M contract decision on 2-time Gold Glove winner, World Series Champion
5. Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos still open to signing $16M Gold Glover despite acquiring Mauricio Dubon
6. Braves' could trade Sean Murphy for Rangers' $325M 2-time World Series MVP, 3-time All-Star
7. Pirates' Paul Skenes wants to join Yankees, could form deadly trio with Gerrit Cole, Max Fried
8. Red Sox legend David Ortiz sends pleading message to Alex Bregman as free agency begins