Former MLB catcher Martin Maldonado could persuade Framber Valdez to join the Atlanta Braves.
The Atlanta Braves are looking to rebound ahead of the 2026 MLB season and have already undergone significant change. Walt Weiss will take over as the team’s new manager, while the front office has reloaded both the outfield and the bullpen in an effort to strengthen areas that faltered last year.
One glaring need that remains is the starting rotation, which was decimated by injuries in 2025. The lack of depth proved costly, leaving Atlanta short of the consistency required to contend deep into the season.
That weakness has placed starting pitching at the top of the Braves’ offseason priorities, and they may have a chance to land one of the premier arms available in free agency. During a fan question segment on Foul Territory, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic addressed a question that referenced Atlanta’s recent addition of former MLB catcher Martin Maldonado to the front office.
The question also highlighted comments from Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos, who made it clear the team is aiming high. Anthopoulos stated that Atlanta is looking to add an impactful starting pitcher, signaling that the organization is prepared to pursue a frontline option rather than settle for depth pieces.
Maldonado’s addition makes particular sense because of his history with Framber Valdez, one of the top free-agent pitchers on the market. Maldonado caught Valdez for five consecutive seasons with the Houston Astros from 2019 through 2023, including their 2022 World Series championship run. That familiarity gives Atlanta unique insight into how Valdez operates and how best to maximize his strengths.
Valdez himself brings an impressive track record. Over eight MLB seasons, he has compiled 81 career wins, a 3.36 ERA and 1,053 strikeouts across 1,080 2/3 innings. He is a two-time All-Star and was instrumental in Houston’s 2022 title run. In 2025, Valdez made 31 starts, finishing with a 13–11 record, a 3.66 ERA, 187 strikeouts and a 1.245 WHIP across 192 innings. His career bWAR sits at 18.8, underscoring his long-term value as a frontline starter.
With Maldonado’s firsthand experience catching Valdez and Anthopoulos openly stating the Braves are targeting an ace, the connection is clear. Atlanta’s front office appears determined to make a major splash, and Valdez could be the missing piece to stabilize the rotation and restore the Braves’ status as a legitimate World Series contender. With Weiss at the helm and a retooled roster already in place, the addition of one more arm might be the final piece Atlanta needs.