2. Bryce Elder
What is the future for Bryce Elder and the Braves? With the loss of Max Fried and Charlie Morton, it is clear there are rotation spots to be won. However, from last season it is clear to see Elder has fallen out of favor in Atlanta. The problem for the former All-Star is the fact he has never been able to adjust after the league figured him out. His pitches are going to find contact and there is constant traffic when Elder is on the mound. We've seen that early in spring training as well with the starter struggling to navigate through his starts.
Elder doesn't appear to be a piece Atlanta plans to bring into Opening Day and is an obvious trade piece. Whether it is for a depth outfielder or simply to give the pitcher a fresh start, it would be surprising to see the starter given a chance in the rotation. Barring a spring injury, it appears it is time to move on and give other pieces a chance. Elder's impact in the first half of the 2023 season cannot be understated or forgotten. Still, those days are far past for a pitcher that no longer factors into Atlanta's plans.
3. Ian Anderson
Anderson appears likely to start the 2025 season as a member of the Atlanta rotation. However, that isn't going to be a long-term answer unless the pitcher is able to turn back the clock. It has been four years since Anderson was a good option for the Braves. Spencer Strider is going to return at some point in the first half of the season and someone's rotation spot is going to be taken. Barring an injury, it is clear the two pitchers are competing to stay in the rotation.
Anderson is twenty-six and still should have his best seasons ahead of him. Considering what the Braves watched the first two seasons, it is hard to give up on the starter. This will change if Anderson doesn't start the season hot enough to make the decision of who Strider replaces a difficult one.