The 2026 MLB season hasn't begun, and already the Atlanta Braves are dealing with a familiar theme of lackluster pitching depth.
Spring Training revealed that both Hurston Waldrep and Spencer Schwellenbach weren't 100% and will miss extended time to start the season. This created an opportunity for veteran right-handed pitcher Bryce Elder, who appeared to be on his way out of the organization after a frustrating 2025 season.
Elder finished the year with an 8-11 record and a 5.30 ERA in 28 starts, highlighting how frustrating it was to watch the starter. The only thing Braves fans could rely on when Elder took the mound was a healthy amount of traffic on the bases and consistent scoring chances for the opposing lineup. Still, Elder has a very good chance to win a spot in the 2026 rotation based on the lack of healthy arms as spring training continues.
Bryce Elder is Running Out of Time to Secure His Braves Future
As March begins, Elder at least made the most of his first spring start.
In his debut against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Feb. 25, Elder gaveup only one earned run while striking out three batters in two innings of work. It was far from his best performance, but encouraging enough to give Atlanta fans hope for the future.
Over the next few weeks, Elder will be on trial. If he struggles, the Braves will have no choice but to pivot, looking for a replacement in free agency or giving a young arm a surprise chance in the rotation.
Elder has had back-to-back seasons in which he competed to win a spot in the rotation, only based on complete desperation. A rough spring training would force the Braves to turn the page.
It is clear that the focus is on contending, and if they believe Elder cannot give them a consistent shot, the starter won't be in the mix for the Opening Day clash with the Kansas City Royals on Friday, March 27. The Braves have too many remaining free agency and in-house options to turn to if Elder ends up being the worst version of himself.
Elder's last All-Star campaign was only three years ago, leaving a bit of hope that he can return to that form, especially as the rotation becomes healthier. However, if he quickly proves that he can't handle the pressure, the Braves can't entertain the experiment forever and may have no choice but to cut the cord.