The Atlanta Braves have continued their search for a top left‑handed arm to anchor the front of their rotation.
The Atlanta Braves have had an eventful offseason, retooling the roster with a clear sense of urgency after missing the postseason last year. Yet one major piece remains unaddressed: the starting rotation. It now appears the front office is at least exploring a significant move.
In a new MLB free agency report, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com linked Atlanta to two of the top starting pitchers still available. “The Braves and Giants are among the other teams that have been connected to Valdez, who rejected a qualifying offer and will cost his new team Draft picks,” Feinsand wrote Thursday.
He added, “The Braves, Cubs and Angels are also looking for pitching help, with Ranger Suarez – another player who rejected a qualifying offer – among the potential targets.”
Framber Valdez would be a natural fit for Atlanta’s rotation. Having spent all eight seasons of his career with the Houston Astros, Valdez has proven himself as one of the most durable arms in baseball.
A two-time All-Star and 2022 World Series champion, he brings both consistency and postseason pedigree. In 2025, he logged 192 innings with a 3.66 ERA and 187 strikeouts, once again demonstrating his ability to shoulder a heavy workload. For a Braves team seeking another ace, Valdez offers the reliability and dominance needed to anchor the staff.
Ranger Suarez, meanwhile, provides a different but equally valuable profile. Having spent his entire eight-year career with the Philadelphia Phillies, Suarez transitioned from reliever to starter in 2021 and has steadily grown into a dependable rotation piece.
He earned his first All-Star nod in 2024 and followed it up with a 3.20 ERA last season across 26 starts, striking out 151 batters. Known for limiting hard contact, Suarez thrives in high-leverage situations and has proven himself in October.
The 30-year-old remains at the peak of his powers, offering Atlanta a left-handed starter who can complement Chris Sale while delivering steady innings.
Both Valdez and Suarez share similarities that make them appealing targets. Each has spent his entire career with one franchise, earned All-Star recognition and proven capable of handling postseason pressure. Both are left-handers with track records of durability and effectiveness, giving Atlanta options.
The free agent market for pitchers has cooled considerably, with many top arms already signed and teams hesitant to overspend. That dynamic could benefit the Braves, who remain in search of a frontline starter.
Adding an ace like Valdez or a steady veteran like Suarez would not only address immediate rotation needs but also provide long-term stability, ensuring Atlanta remains a contender deep into future seasons.