Pending free agent Tyler Mahle had a solid two-month stretch with the Braves to close out the regular season. He was even better in the postseason, covering critical innings for a pitching staff lacking viable starters outside of Chris Sale. After Atlanta was eliminated from the playoffs last night, Mahle expressed interest in returning to the team.
“Without fail“, Mahle told reporters when asked if he would return to the Braves (with Jesus Cano of The Athletic).”It would be crazy for anyone not to want to be here. This place is awesome and there is no other way to say it. It would be crazy not to want to play here.”
Atlanta’s activity at the trade deadline received little fanfare, with the club adding a platoon bat to Thomas Lane and a certain depth of relief with Bailey Falter, Brent SuterAnd Tyler Uberstine. Mahle was the most notable acquisition, which isn’t saying much considering the aforementioned group. He had struggled to a 5.13 ERA in 18 starts with the Giants. Swingman Anthony Molina That was all it took to land him.
Mahle took over in Atlanta. He blanked the Yankees in six innings in his team debut. The veteran right-hander allowed just seven earned runs in his first eight starts with the team. Mahle shook off a snap in his final regular season outing to put together two terrific performances in the playoffs. He held the Phillies to one run in seven innings in Game 2 of the Wild Card round. He pitched the seventh inning against the Dodgers last night. Neither effort resulted in a Braves victory, as the offense did not offer much support.
The Giants signed Mahle to a modest one-year, $10 million contract. Elbow and shoulder injuries had limited him to 24 starts over the previous three seasons. This was a demo deal that included additional incentives for innings pitched. Mahle certainly proved nothing with the Giants, but his 11 starts with the Braves could have revitalized his market this winter.
Atlanta entered the 2026 season seemingly brimming with rotation options. Injuries quickly reduced the group. Spencer Strider And Hurston Waldrep combined for 11 appearances. Spencer Schwellenbach And Joey Wentz didn’t throw at all. Reynaldo Lopez, Bryce ElderAnd Martin Pérez were not available for the playoffs. In October, it was Sale, Mahle, then the bullpen games led by Ray Kerr And Grant Holmes.
It’s hard to count on Waldrep and Schwellenbach in 2027, both having elbow surgery late in the year. The rest of the group should be available. Atlanta doesn’t have an obvious need for a veteran like Mahle, but that was the case before this season as well. Depending on the price, it might make sense to bring him back, given the uncertainty surrounding most of the rotation.
Photo courtesy of Brett Davis, Imagn Images
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