The Atlanta Braves have no shortage of pitching talent, but one name that once looked like a key part of their rotation now appears to be on the outside looking in. Bryce Elder, who made an immediate impact as a rookie, has seen his stock plummet after a brutal 2024 season. With younger arms stepping up, Elder’s future with the Braves is anything but certain.
From Promising Rookie to All-Star Starter
Elder’s rise through the Braves’ system was impressive. At just 22 years old, he debuted in 2022 and logged 54 strong innings, giving Atlanta hope that he could be a key piece of their pitching staff.
Then came 2023, a season that saw Elder cement himself as a legitimate MLB starter. Over 174 2/3 innings, he posted a 3.81 ERA with a 1.27 WHIP, earning an All-Star nod. His ability to pitch deep into games and keep hitters off balance made him an asset for a team with championship aspirations.
For a while, it seemed like the Braves had found another reliable arm to pair with their rotation mainstays. But baseball is unpredictable, and 2024 would be a much different story.
2024 Struggles and Demotion to the Minors
Elder’s numbers fell off a cliff in 2024. His ERA skyrocketed past 6.50, and his struggles with command and consistency resulted in a negative WAR. The Braves had no choice but to send him down to the minors, where he spent most of the season trying to rediscover his form.
While he worked to improve, the Braves’ rotation evolved without him. Spencer Schwellenbach emerged as a reliable starter, while AJ Smith-Shawver and Hurston Waldrep showed promise. With a deep pipeline of young arms, the organization didn’t need to rely on Elder anymore.
One Braves insider, FanSided’s Austin Owens, predicted that the team could part ways with Elder in the near future. “Even with all the question marks the Braves starting rotation has lingering, they have better options than Elder,” Owens wrote.
What’s Next for Elder?
So where does this leave Elder? The most likely scenario is that the Braves use him as a trade piece at the 2025 deadline.
- His previous success could entice teams looking for pitching depth.
- A change of scenery might be what he needs to regain his confidence.
- The Braves could package him in a deal to acquire bullpen help or prospect depth.
If a trade doesn’t materialize, the Braves might simply let him walk in free agency at the end of the season. Given their organizational depth, they can afford to move on.
Could Another Team Take a Chance on Him?
Despite his struggles, Elder is still young. At just 25 years old, he has time to make adjustments and reinvent himself. His ability to generate ground balls could appeal to teams in need of back-end rotation help or bullpen depth.
For Elder, this offseason and the early part of 2025 will be crucial. If he performs well in Triple-A, other teams may take notice. But if his struggles continue, his window to stay in the majors could close quickly.
The Braves, meanwhile, seem ready to move on. And with their eyes set on another deep postseason run, it makes sense to prioritize pitchers who can contribute at a high level right now. For Elder, that likely means finding a new home sooner rather than later.
