The Atlanta Braves’ pitching staff will have a significantly different look by MLB Opening Day. This transformation continued as Atlanta made a trade with the Los Angeles Angels just days before the season began.
The Braves sent 26-year-old pitcher Ian Anderson to the Angels in exchange for left-hander José Suarez. Anderson had a strong start to his career and played a key role in the team’s 2021 World Series run. However, injuries have hampered him in recent years, leaving questions about whether the right-hander can return to his previous form.
Anderson has not appeared in a Major League game since 2022 after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023. The former starter compiled a 22-13 record over his four seasons with the Braves.
The trade marks the end of an era, as the Braves originally selected Anderson with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft. Meanwhile, Suarez is expected to compete for a spot in Atlanta’s bullpen this season.
“Before his injury, he was a rising, talented pitcher,” Angels manager Ron Washington said of Anderson after the trade, according to MLB.com. “I don’t believe he has lost his ability to pitch.”
“We had a bullpen that leaned heavily on left-handers, so this trade gives us a chance to add a righty,” Washington explained. “Even though Ian Anderson is a starter, I believe he can contribute out of the bullpen. Our goal is simply to keep improving as we approach Opening Day.”
The Braves Are Getting a ‘Bulldog’ in Trading for Pitcher José Suarez
Former Braves ace Max Fried joined the New York Yankees this offseason, while veteran Charlie Morton also departed, signing with the Baltimore Orioles.
The Braves’ starting rotation and bullpen will have a much different look in 2025. While Suarez doesn’t have the same pedigree as Anderson, Washington spoke highly of the former Angels pitcher.
“The Braves are getting a bulldog,” Washington said of Suarez. “We’re going to miss him. I’m not saying Suarez wasn’t good for us—that’s not why we traded him.”
“We make moves to improve our team, and Suarez just happened to be the player involved in this trade. Atlanta likely saw a need for him, while we felt Ian Anderson was a better fit for us.”
The Angels Plan to Begin Utilizing Ex-Braves Pitcher Ian Anderson in the Bullpen
Regarding Anderson, the Angels’ skipper mentioned that the team plans to ease him into a relief role. Washington is already familiar with Anderson from their time together in Atlanta.
“Everyone, including Ian Anderson, would have hoped for a different outcome this spring,” Grant McAuley of 92.9 The Game Atlanta noted in a March 23, 2025, post on X. “After two years of working his way back, he just wasn’t able to prove enough to remain in the Braves’ plans.”
“He had some incredible moments early in his career. Hopefully, he can find success again.”
The Braves will open their season on the road against the San Diego Padres on Thursday, March 27, for MLB Opening Day.
