The Atlanta Braves‘ 2026 playoff ambitions hinge, as always, on a starting rotation capable of pitching deep into October. Following a 2025 campaign marred by significant injury concerns and volatility in the pitching staff, the 2026 rotation is projected to be a blend of veteran dominance, young, high-upside arms, and a critical need for depth. As the Braves look to secure their next World Series title, we break down the 2026 starting rotation by their importance to a successful playoff run.
Ranking the Braves Starting Pitchers by Importance This Season
6. The “Next Man Up” (Depth/Added Free Agent)
The 2025 season taught the Braves that you can never have enough pitching. The sixth spot, filled by depth pieces like Grant Holmes, Bryce Elder, or a potential free-agent acquisition, is crucial for surviving the season. Given the injury history of the main rotation, this depth is essential to secure a playoff berth, even if they don’t start a playoff game. Their ability to eat innings prevents overworking the bullpen, ensuring the team is rested for the playoffs.
5. Reynaldo López – The Strategic Utility
Reynaldo Lopez is a wild card. After a stellar 2024 season and a 2025 shortened by shoulder injury, he is determined to remain a starter in 2026. However, his importance to the 2026 playoff run might be highest if he can transition to a high-leverage bullpen role to maximize his velocity and reduce injury risk. If he stays in the rotation, he is a reliable arm; if moved to the bullpen, he becomes a late-inning reliever, which is also crucial for a deep run. His versatility allows the Braves to adapt to injuries or underperformance.
4. Hurston Waldrep – The High-Upside Specialist
Hurston Waldrep‘s 2025 performance, particularly his six-pitch mix and high-level success after his debut, cements his role in the 2026 plans. His high-usage splitter is a weapon that can neutralize right-handed hitters, giving the Braves a unique look in their rotation. While some skepticism exists regarding his durability, his ceiling is that of a dominant number three or four starter in a playoff rotation. His ability to miss bats at a high rate is crucial for reducing high-stress innings during the regular season and keeping him fresh for potential playoff duties.
3. Spencer Schwellenbach – The Emerging Star
Spencer Schwellenbach showed incredible promise, and in 2026, he is expected to be a crucial middle-rotation starter. After a 2025 season hampered by a fractured elbow, a fully healthy Schwellenbach offers a 3.00-ERA-level capability that makes the rotation deep and formidable. His ability to step up as the number three guy allows the team to survive the inevitable wear and tear of a 162-game season and provides a reliable starter for a playoff series. His calm demeanor and consistent command makes him a perfect fit for a postseason pressure cooker.
2. Chris Sale – The Ace Veteran Anchor
Despite being 36 years old in 2026, Chris Sale remains essential to the Braves’ success. As a 2024 NL Cy Young Award winner and a 2025 stellar performer (2.58 ERA), Sale provides the experience and top-tier talent required to pitch in high-leverage postseason situations. His ability to remain healthy is the only question, but if he and Spencer Strider are truly healthy, the Braves have the best one-two punch in the National League. His presence allows the team to match up against other elite teams’ top starters.
1. Spencer Strider – The Rotation’s Ceiling
Strider is the most important pitcher for the 2026 Braves, as he MUST have a successful return to form following his 2024/2025 injury struggles. If Strider continues to struggle, the Braves may very well disappoint again. When healthy, Strider is an NL Cy Young contender with a high-velocity fastball and a dominant slider, making him just as much of an ace as Sale. While 2025 saw him struggling with velocity and command upon his return, the 2026 season is a pivotal year for him to prove he can anchor a World Series-caliber rotation. If he returns to his 2023 form, he is a potential Game 1 starter in the postseason, providing the dominant force necessary to win short series.
Main Image: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
