As the calendar turned over to 2026, the Atlanta Braves' roster was in really good shape. They had re-signed some key names, including Raisel Iglesias and Ha-Seong Kim, and added Robert Suarez, Mauricio Dubon, and Mike Yastrzemski, among others. Other than an impact rotation arm (foreshadowing), the Braves had checked the boxes they needed to. Unfortunately, a series of injuries has undone some of that good work.
Not signing a starter was forgivable with Atlanta's previous rotation depth, but the injuries to both Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep have basically removed any margin for error now.