The Atlanta Braves are in a tough spot with their starting rotation. Spencer Strider is injured again, and Reynaldo López is expected to miss significant time. If the Braves hope to remain competitive in the National League East, they’ll need to address the rotation sooner rather than later.
One potential solution? Triston McKenzie.
Jeremy Lockett of Athlon Sports sees McKenzie as a logical fit for Atlanta, noting that the Braves have a strong track record with reclamation projects and could benefit from his untapped upside. “For the Braves, adding McKenzie wouldn’t be about immediate impact—it would be about potential,” Lockett wrote. “At $1.95 million, he’s a relatively low-cost gamble for a team that doesn’t need him to carry the rotation but could stash him in the bullpen or guide him through a developmental program.”
McKenzie, still just 27, posted an impressive 2.96 ERA over 31 appearances (30 starts) back in 2022. Injuries and inconsistency have derailed him since then, but a change of scenery—and joining a Braves organization known for getting the most out of underperforming arms—might be exactly what he needs.
For Atlanta, who entered Wednesday with a 9-14 record and already 7.5 games back in the division, taking a flyer on a high-upside arm like McKenzie is a no-brainer. The risk is minimal, and if he pans out, the reward could be significant.
