While the Atlanta Braves' 2025 roster might be fully healthy, it hasn't changed the team's results as of yet. Still, putting the frustrating record aside, improved health has created an interesting problem in Atlanta's rotation. Spencer Strider's return caused the Braves to demote starter Bryce Elder. This was understandable, however, Elder had finally turned the corner, offering the team consistent results. Elder's demotion wasn't a surprise, with Grant Holmes and AJ Smith-Shawver both going on impressive runs during the last weeks of the season.
Strider, Chris Sale, and Spencer Schwellenbach are obviously in no danger of losing their rotation spots. This leaves Elder back in Gwinnett despite putting together a run deserving of a spot in a big-league rotation. For this reason, the team should attempt to trade the starter in the next weeks of the season. Now is the time to attempt to sell high and give Elder a deserved chance at a rotation spot in a new landing spot.
Atlanta Should Consider Trading Bryce Elder After Recent Run
If the Braves could turn the starter into a valuable bullpen piece or improved bench depth, it would be a move well worth making. The only caveat to this is if the franchise doesn't fully trust Holmes or Smith-Shawver. This is the only reasoning for keeping Elder in the minor leagues despite the performance we watched throughout the recent weeks of the season.
Strider being healthy demanded a painful demotion, and Elder was the right decision. However, this doesn't mean the team shouldn't consider making a move and giving the starter a chance to lock up a role elsewhere. If they can do this while improving one of the roster's obvious weaknesses, it is a win for both sides.
A piece of the sense of urgency for the trade is due to a lack of trust in what Elder is going to be moving forward. After an incredible start to his career, the starter has spent much of the last two years as unplayable at the big league level. This season's impressive turnaround needs to be taken advantage of either by trading the starter or making a move that puts him back into Atlanta's starting rotation.