The Atlanta Braves are staring down a rotation problem, and they know it. With the 2026 season quickly approaching and only two arms, Spencer Strider and Spencer Schwellenbach, securely under contract beyond that point, the front office isn’t just filling a hole this offseason. They’re laying the groundwork for the next era of Braves pitching.
Health Concerns Still Haunt Braves
Last season’s rotation struggled to stay healthy. That’s not exactly breaking news, but it makes the urgency in this year’s free agency all the more pronounced. The Braves aren’t panicking, not yet, but they are acutely aware that without a dependable, postseason-ready starter in their mix, they could be one injury away from a crisis. And in a league where October is everything, that’s simply not a gamble they can afford.
Anthopoulos Wants More Than Just Innings
Enter Alex Anthopoulos, the architect behind Atlanta’s recent dominance. He’s made it clear: the Braves aren’t just looking for another arm. They want someone impactful, someone who can step into a playoff series and own the moment. That narrows the market considerably. The front office isn’t interested in developmental projects or bargain-bin depth. This is about finding a starter with the pedigree to perform when the lights are brightest.
Chris Bassitt Checks the Boxes Atlanta Needs
Chris Bassitt, a name quietly floating around, might just be the answer. At 36, Bassitt isn’t flashy, but he’s dependable. He’s pitched at least 170 innings in four straight regular seasons, and while the Blue Jays bumped him out of their playoff rotation last year, his 11-9 record and 3.96 ERA across 32 starts speak volumes about his consistency. This isn’t about ace material. It’s about stability, maturity, and a guy who’s been in the fire and walked out the other side unburned.
And that’s precisely what the Braves need: a veteran who won’t flinch in October. Someone who can help set a tone alongside Chris Sale and bring a steady presence to a rotation that, right now, leans too heavily on youth and potential.
Bassitt won’t dominate headlines, but in Atlanta, he might be the glue that holds a playoff rotation together, not just for 2026, but possibly for the critical bridge years ahead.
