As Opening Day 2026 rapidly approaches, Atlanta Braves fans are wondering who'll snag the last spot in the starting rotation.
Bryce Elder appears to have the inside track in that race because of his experience and a complete lack of proven options. Losing Hurston Waldrep, Spencer Schwellenbach, and Joey Wentz since the start of spring training pushed Atlanta into a corner.
Having said that, the Braves shouldn't ignore the glaring red flags around Elder's spring, despite the obvious desperation the franchise is feeling.
Red Flags Are Mounting Around Bryce Elder
Elder has started four games and pitched 13 1/3 innings in spring training, giving up 12 hits and seven earned runs. Although he's struck out 12 batters, he's also given up five walks and even hit a batter with a pitch.
In other words, Elder looks to be the same problem he was a season ago when forced into action, and the right-hander offered a 5.30 ERA and often was knocked out of games in the early innings. As great as the Braves might feel about their rotation long-term, the franchise cannot afford another rough start.
The obvious issue is that the one remaining contender is Jose Suarez, who has only been mildly more impressive, surrendering six earned runs in 16 spring innings. Whether it is Suarez or making an addition in the first weeks of the season, the point remains that the Braves must realize they need more than just Elder to feel comfortable.
In fairness, the Braves came into spring believing they were stacked at the position. Losing both Schwellenbach and Waldrep was a huge blow to a group that is going to have to piece together the bottom of the rotation until both starters can return.
Instead of capitalizing on a chance at redemption, Elder is doing the opposite.
The 26-year-old righty lacks overpowering stuff, often relying on his pitch selection and location to foster quality innings. None of Elder's pitches offer the starter the luxury of missing his spots with any consistency and lucking into positive results.
Braves fans should be concerned that manager Walt Weiss is going to choose to put Elder in the fifth spot and put the club in a position to give up every fifth game. The red flags around the veteran hurler can't be ignored if Atlanta wants to avoid that fate.
Whether it's via free-agent signing or a trade, either avenue gives the Braves a better chance of finding a reliable starter rather than relying on Elder, who's consistently proven he can't be trusted when it matters most.