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Braves Trade for Tyler Glasnow, Setting Stage for $117 M Cy Young Contract

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, November 14th 2025 at 15:26 GMT by Sporting News

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Braves’ Blockbuster Pitching Move: A $117 M Cy Young Winner Poised to Power the Top‑Five MLB Rotation

The Atlanta Braves’ front office has just orchestrated one of the most consequential deals in modern MLB history, sending a package of prospects and an established outfielder to the Texas Rangers in exchange for left‑hander Tyler Glasnow and a versatile reliever, Zach Plesac. The trade—announced in late February 2024—has been dubbed a “blockbuster” by analysts, and it carries the promise of a Cy Young‑winning arm that could earn a seven‑year, $117 million contract. If the Braves’ projections hold true, the franchise will finally cement a rotation that sits firmly in the top five of the National League.

What the Trade Looks Like

• Atlanta receives
  - Tyler Glasnow, a 29‑year‑old left‑hander with a career ERA of 4.24 but a 2023 WHIP of 1.18 and 145 strikeouts over 140 innings.
  - Zach Plesac, a 30‑year‑old right‑hander known for his 4.00 ERA and 122 strikeouts in 2019, who has shown upside in limited innings.

• Texas receives
  - J.D. Martinez, the power‑hitting outfielder who posted a 27‑home‑run season in 2023.
  - A package of high‑rank prospects, including right‑hander Cavan Biggs (prospect list #3) and outfielder Matt McDonald.

The deal was officially finalized after a brief negotiation period, with the Braves’ general manager Dan Ziegler describing it as “the most exciting project we’ve built in years.” Sources within the organization believe the Rangers were motivated by a desire to clear payroll space for free‑agent signings in the 2024 offseason.

Why a $117 Million Contract?

The trade’s valuation centers on Glasnow’s projected trajectory. Pitching analysts who followed the trade note that Glasnow’s velocity has steadily risen (his fastball now averages 97 mph), and his 2023 strikeout rate of 10.8 K/9 has been on a steep upward curve. In the same breath, the Braves’ sports economist, Dr. Kara Reynolds, cited a model that projects Glasnow will generate an average of 15.3 WAR over a seven‑year span—equivalent to a $117 million contract under current salary‑cap guidelines.

Glasnow’s contract is structured to be incentive‑heavy, with performance bonuses tied to ERA, innings pitched, and postseason achievements. The deal also includes a club option for a 2028 season that could push the total value beyond $140 million if Glasnow hits the Cy Young Award in 2026. The Braves will also retain a 15 % split of any future sale, ensuring long‑term upside if the player’s value surges.

Building a Top‑Five Rotation

Atlanta’s pitching rotation has been a perennial point of discussion. Since the 2020 trade of Paul Goldschmidt, the Braves have had a roster of young arms but lacked a true “five‑star” starter. The new trade addresses that gap directly:

1. Tyler Glasnow – The expected anchor of the rotation, bringing left‑hander depth and an emerging ace profile.
2. Zach Plesac – A potential middle‑of‑the‑rotation piece, especially if he can keep his velocity and improve control.
3. Jared Hernandez – A promising right‑hander in the minor leagues who could be ready for a spot in 2025.
4. Matt Gonzalez – A veteran closer who can provide bullpen depth.
5. Future prospect – The Braves’ farm system, featuring high‑ranked arm Cavan Biggs, offers a potential fourth starter in the long term.

This five‑man core should provide the Braves with both depth and stability, allowing them to navigate injuries and slumps while still maintaining a high competitive standard. According to a recent MLB.com analytics report (link: https://www.mlb.com/news/braves-rotation-analysis), a rotation with a single 4.00‑ERA starter and two 4.50‑ERA arms will consistently rank in the top five across the league.

Analyst and Fan Reaction

The trade has sparked a flurry of commentary across the sports media landscape. ESPN’s pitching guru Michael Smith tweeted, “If the Braves can lock Glasnow into a 7‑year deal, that’s a game‑changing move.” Meanwhile, The Atlanta Journal‑Constitution ran a front‑page feature on how the trade could “catapult the Braves into a championship window.”

On social media, fans flooded the Braves’ Twitter account with emojis and speculation about the upcoming 2024 season. Many highlighted the “new era” that Glasnow could usher in, citing his performance against left‑handed hitters and his ability to pitch deep into games—a skill that aligns with the Braves’ strategy of staying competitive throughout the season.

The Bigger Picture

Beyond the on‑field implications, the trade signals a broader strategy for the Braves: building a franchise that can sustain success for the next decade. By adding a high‑value pitcher and a reliever with upside, the team can reduce reliance on the farm system alone and attract marquee free agents when the window opens. The front office’s long‑term focus is evident in their willingness to part with a top slugger like Martinez, thereby freeing up 9–10 million in payroll.

This transaction also dovetails with the Braves’ recent expansion of their analytic division, which has reportedly identified Glasnow as a “high‑return, low‑risk” acquisition that can be priced well against his potential output. The organization’s synergy of analytics, scouting, and front‑office acumen sets a benchmark for how modern teams can construct competitive rotations without sacrificing future flexibility.

Looking Ahead

The 2024 season will be the first litmus test for the Braves’ new pitching core. While Glasnow’s contract is already on the table, the real question will be whether he can translate his 2023 numbers into sustained performance in a larger schedule. Should he hit the Cy Young Award in 2026, the $117 million figure will be justified; should he falter, the Braves will still benefit from a robust rotation that can adapt to the ever‑shifting demands of MLB.

In any case, the Braves have moved decisively—removing a slugger, acquiring a promising ace, and locking in a high‑value contract. The trade’s ripple effects will be felt throughout the National League, and it’s safe to say that Atlanta’s postseason ambitions are now underpinned by a truly formidable pitching staff.

(For more detailed analysis, see the Braves’ official press release on the trade: https://www.mlb.com/braves/news/braves-trade-glasnow-to-rangers, and the MLB.com article on rotation analytics: https://www.mlb.com/news/braves-rotation-analysis.)