The Atlanta Braves should consider trading Ian Anderson

The Atlanta Braves have some decisions to make for their starting rotation before 2025. They need to figure out the futures of Max Fried and Charlie Morton.

After that, they have to determine who to fill their vacancies with. Spencer Strider will get one of them, which leaves one more spot with Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach and Reynaldo Lopez already guaranteed.

Even though starting pitching depth was at times thin last season, the Braves have a sneaky accumulation of arms coming through the pipeline. Seven of the top 10 prospects in the Braves system are pitchers. Two have already debuted in the Major League and another has already reached Triple-A.

Then there’s another option with Major League experience: Ian Anderson. The man who was once a playoff hero has been out of action for two seasons as he recovers from injuries.

Even after his rehab assignment was completed, the Braves never turned to his services for extra help in the rotation. He wasn’t even included in the playoff lineup when Chris Sale was injured.

It’s a sign that Anderson may no longer be as essential to long-term plans. Maybe it’s time to consider buying him this offseason.

They might even be doing him a favor. He could provide another team with a much-needed, experienced starting pitcher. He made 52 career starts in three seasons of action, achieving a 3.97 ERA.

He has shown to be extremely effective in the postseason with a career 1.26 postseason ERA. Sure, it’s been a few years, but it’s a good enough track record that someone would be interested in doing a pamphlet about it.

It could even be used in a trade package to acquire a bat. The Braves have more pitching options than offensive options. Use what you have in excess to acquire what you have in deficit.

If he ends up being part of the Braves’ plans, great. Many fans would welcome that. However, it would be a waste to have him stop at Triple-A once again in favor of other options.