Braves predicted to sign $63M AL wins leader, All-Star to pair with Chris Sale, Spencer Strider

Hunter Cookston

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Braves predicted to sign $63M AL wins leader, All-Star to pair with Chris Sale, Spencer Strider image

The Atlanta Braves know they need to go all-in on acquiring another starter before the season begins. A major concern for the rotation last season was its lack of health. Beyond this season, however, there are hardly any pitchers under contract, which makes the Braves’ approach to adding another starter this offseason particularly interesting.

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

While the Braves are generally content with their current roster, it’s clear they must pursue a reliable arm if they want to maximize their potential. Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos has emphasized that any addition must have playoff experience.

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

One name currently on the market fits that description perfectly, coming off a World Series run. Yardbarker’s John Perrotto believes the Braves could sign Chris Bassitt.

“The right-hander is 36, and the Toronto Blue Jays dropped him from the starting rotation during the postseason last year. Despite this, Bassitt’s ability to consistently pitch at least 170 innings each of the past four regular seasons, along with his 11-9 record and 3.96 ERA in 32 games last year, demonstrates the durability and reliability that could address the Atlanta Braves’ need for a stable back-end starter,” Perrotto wrote.

Bassitt fits the profile Anthopoulos described earlier this offseason: a veteran starter who can handle playoff pressure. Bassitt is also a former wins leader in the American League.

He would provide another strong voice in the clubhouse alongside Chris Sale. Adding Bassitt gives the Braves a seasoned veteran capable of making life difficult for opposing teams.

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