Braves predicted to sign $15M, 3-time Cy Young winner, 2X World Series champion over Chris Bassitt

Hunter Cookston

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Braves predicted to sign $15M, 3-time Cy Young winner, 2X World Series champion over Chris Bassitt image

The Atlanta Braves are mostly finished making offseason additions after landing several notable signees, including Raisel Iglesias and Robert Suarez. However, one position that still has not been addressed is the starting rotation. Last season, the rotation was plagued by injuries, as every member of the Opening Day rotation suffered an injury at some point. Additionally, beyond this upcoming season, there are not many starters currently under contract.

“Beyond Spencer Strider and Spencer Schwellenbach, there are no clear locks for the Atlanta Braves rotation beyond 2026,’” HTHB’s Chase Owens wrote.

The Braves know they need to add at least one talented and experienced arm for 2026. It is simply a matter of who that pitcher will be. Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos wants the addition to be someone with significant playoff experience.

“We’ve explored the starting rotation, adding and getting some type of starter, whether that’s trade or signing. We’d like for it to be someone impactful, someone we think can start a playoff game,” Anthopoulos said.

The Braves are targeting a veteran — someone who can help guide the team back to October and make an immediate impact. HTHB’s Fred Owens believes the Braves could sign Justin Verlander.

“Everything depends on the health of the pitcher. I’ve already recounted Verlander’s recent injuries. Bassitt is six years younger than Verlander, entering his tenth season after his UCL replacement surgery in 2016, and lost 19 days to lower back inflammation in 2026. Does that make him less likely to have a significant injury issue? Verlander’s postseason experience and the potential help he could offer the Braves’ young pitchers, I’m thinking about Spencer Strider as he starts a new season, are invaluable. I’d sign him for things it’s impossible to measure,” Owens wrote.

Verlander no longer has the same liveliness he once did on the mound, and he certainly is not getting any younger. Still, he would provide a new voice and perspective that many of the younger pitchers have not yet experienced.

Signing Verlander could have a major impact on the Braves’ clubhouse, but the question remains how much he has left in the tank. If he can last another full season, this could be an excellent pickup for Atlanta

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