With the premier right-handed starting pitcher now officially off the market, the landscape of the pitching free-agent class is beginning to shift. Dylan Cease’s decision to sign a blockbuster seven-year, $210 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays has effectively closed the door on one of the most sought-after arms available this offseason. His agreement not only removes a top option from the board, but it also signals that movement among the remaining starters may start to accelerate.
In many offseasons, once a major contract of this magnitude is finalized, it creates a ripple effect throughout the market. Teams that had been waiting to see where the top names would land now feel more urgency to either pursue alternatives or move quickly before the remaining options disappear.
For the Atlanta Braves, this development likely doesn’t change their overarching strategy too much. The organization has not given strong indications that it plans to spend heavily on the very top tier of starters such as Framber Valdez or Ranger Suárez, both of whom would command substantial contracts and long-term commitments.
While these pitchers offer high-end talent and proven production, the financial and roster implications of signing one of them could conflict with the Braves’ preference for balancing competitiveness with fiscal flexibility. Atlanta has historically been selective about handing out massive long-term deals, especially to veteran pitchers, given the inherent risk of injury or decline.
That doesn’t mean, however, that the Braves should ignore the starting pitching market altogether. In fact, this could be the ideal time for the front office to shift its attention to the second tier of available arms—pitchers who may not carry the same star power but can still provide significant value. One name that stands out in this category is Michael King.
While he may not be placed in the highest echelon of free agents, King represents an intriguing and potentially cost-effective option for a team like Atlanta. He has demonstrated versatility, durability, and flashes of top-tier performance, which could make him a strong addition to a rotation that is always looking for reliable depth.
Pursuing a pitcher in the so-called “B-tier” could offer the Braves several advantages. The contract demands would likely be more manageable, allowing the team to maintain flexibility for other needs on the roster, such as bullpen upgrades, position-player depth, or future extensions for young stars.
Additionally, the pressure and expectations attached to a mid-tier signing are typically lower than those placed on a headline-grabbing acquisition. This could provide King, or someone of similar profile, the opportunity to thrive in a structured, well-supported environment without the burden of being labeled the team’s savior.
In many ways, Cease’s departure from the market simplifies Atlanta’s decision-making process. With one fewer elite option to consider, the Braves can focus their efforts on identifying the right fit rather than the biggest name. If they can land a dependable arm who complements their existing rotation and fits within their system, it could prove to be a smart and efficient move as the rest of the offseason continues to unfold.
Should the Braves Target Michael King?
Michael King stands out as one of the most intriguing starting pitchers scheduled to hit the free-agent market this winter. While he won’t command the same type of massive, long-term contract as pitchers such as Framber Valdez or Ranger Suárez, it’s clear that his talent will not come cheap. Teams looking for dependable rotation help will certainly have to pay a meaningful price to secure his services.
This naturally raises the question: should the Atlanta Braves take a serious look at adding King to their pitching staff?
If Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos follows through on his statements about being more aggressive in spending this offseason, then King could easily sit near the top of his target list. The organization has been linked to several pitchers, but King’s blend of upside and recent performance makes him an especially appealing option.
Although King dealt with some limitations during the 2025 season due to injury, his overall body of work as a starter remains impressive. Since moving into a full-time starting role in 2024, he has consistently shown that he can be a high-quality arm in a major league rotation. That breakout campaign in 2024 really put him on the map, as he posted a 2.95 ERA over the course of 30 starts while striking out 201 batters. Those numbers showed both his durability and his ability to miss bats, two traits that are highly valued in today’s game.
Atlanta’s front office may have some hesitation because of King’s recent health concerns, particularly given the number of pitching injuries the team has had to endure over the past two seasons. The Braves know all too well how quickly an injury can derail a promising arm or disrupt an entire rotation. Still, those same concerns could actually work in their favor. If other teams are cautious for similar reasons, Atlanta might be able to land King at a slightly more team-friendly price than his talent alone would normally demand.
Statistical projections also suggest that King can continue to produce at a solid level. According to BaseballReference.com, he is expected to post a 3.43 ERA over roughly 104 innings in the upcoming season. That estimate lines up closely with his 3.44 ERA from 2025, which lends credibility to those projections and reinforces the idea that he can be a reliable presence in a starting rotation when healthy.
When it comes to a potential contract, most expectations point toward a multi-year agreement. If King signs a deal lasting four years or more, the total value could approach the $90 million range. While that type of commitment is significant, it may represent a reasonable gamble for a pitcher with his resume and strikeout potential.
In the end, signing Michael King would come with some risk, but it could also offer considerable reward for the Braves. If healthy, he has proven he can perform at a high level, and that kind of upside doesn’t come around often in free agency.
Braves Have Already Made a Few Moves This Offseason
It is still very early in the Major League Baseball free agency period, and many of the biggest decisions across the league have yet to be made. That said, one major move has already captured widespread attention. Dylan Cease’s enormous contract, which was finalized just a day ago, came as a surprise to many around the sport and sent ripples through the entire league.
His deal could very well set the tone for how front offices approach negotiations with other top-tier pitchers as the offseason continues to unfold. Even with that stunning agreement dominating headlines, the Atlanta Braves have quietly taken care of some business of their own.
Atlanta has already made a few strategic moves that hint at how serious the organization is about improving its roster for the upcoming season. One of the most notable decisions was bringing back closer Raisel Iglesias on a one-year, $16 million contract. This move clearly demonstrates the Braves’ willingness to commit significant money to their pitching staff when they feel the value justifies it.
By retaining Iglesias, Atlanta secures stability at the back end of the bullpen, an area that plays a crucial role in preserving leads and closing out tight games. It also sends a message that the front office understands the importance of maintaining a strong and reliable relief corps.
In addition to re-signing Iglesias, the Braves also added Joel Payamps to the roster. While this move may not generate the same level of excitement or confidence as some blockbuster signings, it still reflects the team’s ongoing efforts to strengthen their pitching depth. Payamps’ performance will certainly be something to monitor, as it remains uncertain whether he will meet expectations or exceed them. Nevertheless, the fact that Atlanta targeted another arm reinforces the idea that pitching continues to be the organization’s top priority this offseason.
As the winter progresses and more players come off the board, it will be fascinating to see how the Braves continue to manage their resources. Much of the focus will be on whether they decide to make a bold, high-profile signing that could significantly shift the balance of power in the National League. Atlanta has a competitive core in place, but adding one or two impact players — particularly in the rotation — could be the difference between simply making the postseason and truly contending for another championship.
Ultimately, the Braves appear to be walking a careful line between making smart, calculated investments and potentially preparing for a bigger splash later in the offseason. With the market still developing and many key free agents available, there is plenty of time for Atlanta to further reshape its roster. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the Braves make a decisive move that pushes them back into the center of the National League title race.
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