Looking at the 2025-26 offseason, it isn't a hot take to say the National League East appears to be a two-team race between the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies. While the Washington Nationals and Miami Marlins are both mired in endless rebuilds, the New York Mets have lost far too many key pieces to be considered a true contender. This leaves the division as a two-team race, which this week saw a move made in Atlanta's favor, as former rival Ranger Suarez moved on from Philadelphia and the National League altogether, signing with the Boston Red Sox.
Suarez is coming off a great 2025 campaign, racking up 12 wins and working a 3.20 ERA that shows how undervalued he was for an incredibly talented rotation. Philadelphia now has a top-of-the-rotation trio of Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, and Cristopher Sánchez. This is far more appealing than it was with Suarez, offering the Braves a clear advantage heading into next season.
While it is important to note that Philadelphia is the more accomplished of the two teams, in recent years, Atlanta has a clear edge regarding potential rotations. When healthy, the Braves can line up Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Hurston Waldrep, and Spencer Schwellenbach. Each of these four starters has an interesting argument as to why they belong at the top of a rotation. The Braves now have the clear advantage when it comes to matching starters in a potential postseason series.
Braves Gain Ground on Phillies After Rival Loses Ranger Suarez to AL Contender
Atlanta still has clear roster concerns and will need to prove itself after two seasons of frustrations. However, there is no denying how much of a win it is to see Suarez depart the division and weaken Philadelphia's roster. The left-hander had been a particular annoyance against the Braves in the 2025 season, picking up two wins and allowing only two earned runs in three starts against the franchise.
Seeing the starter leave is a boost to Atlanta's hopes of taking back control of the National League East after two years of Philadelphia taking control. The Braves still have the clear recent edge, having won six division titles in a row before the last two seasons.
This is a streak that fans feel hopeful can start again with the new rotation advantage gained over the hated rival. For the Phillies, there is no denying the blow this must be for a franchise already enduring an extremely quiet 2026 offseason. One where the Braves have clearly made up considerable ground, making splashy offseason moves and, most importantly, getting time to get their roster fully healthy. All of this adds up to make the news of Suarez's signing an exciting headline for Atlanta fans.