The Atlanta Braves have already had a strong offseason, but there’s still one piece missing-a reliable starting pitcher to round out the rotation. With both the trade market and free agency still offering options, the Braves are in position to make one more move that could solidify their status as a serious contender in 2026.
Now, the free-agent pool isn’t exactly overflowing with high-upside arms. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t solid, dependable veterans available-guys who may not light up the radar gun or headline the offseason, but who can give you quality innings and keep your team in games. One name that’s been floated around is Chris Bassitt, a pitcher whose profile fits exactly what Atlanta might be looking for: durability, consistency, and recent success.
Some fans might be hesitant about bringing in a veteran like Bassitt, especially after a long season and with younger arms waiting in the wings. But Atlanta doesn’t have to look far for a reminder of how valuable a veteran presence can be. Just think back to Aaron Harang’s surprising 2014 campaign in a Braves uniform.
Harang was 36 years old when he signed with Atlanta late that spring. He was coming off one of the worst seasons of his career and wasn’t exactly viewed as a game-changer.
But what happened next was a masterclass in veteran resilience. Harang threw 204 innings that year, posted a 3.57 ERA and FIP, and ended up being one of the most dependable arms in the Braves’ rotation.
His 2.2 bWAR that season was a testament to how a steady, experienced pitcher can still make a major impact-even when expectations are low.
That kind of season doesn’t just happen by accident. It’s built on pitchability, game awareness, and the ability to grind through lineups even when the stuff isn’t electric. That’s exactly what makes someone like Chris Bassitt an intriguing fit for Atlanta.
Bassitt, now 36 himself, is coming off a 2025 season where he posted a 3.96 ERA, a 4.01 FIP, and logged 2.1 bWAR. Those are numbers that suggest he’s still getting the job done-and doing it over a full season.
He’s not flashy, but he’s reliable. And in a rotation that’s already got plenty of talent, adding a veteran with a proven track record could be the kind of move that pays off in October.
Of course, the Braves do have young arms waiting in the minors, and there’s always the possibility that one or more of those prospects takes a leap this season. But relying solely on youth can be risky, especially over a 162-game grind. That’s why a veteran presence-someone who’s been through the ups and downs, who knows how to navigate a season-is so valuable.
Bassitt isn’t the only name out there, but he’s one of the few remaining free agents who checks all the boxes: recent success, proven durability, and the kind of steady production that can anchor the back end of a rotation. If Alex Anthopoulos sees the right fit, don’t be surprised if he makes a move. The Braves have built a strong roster this winter, and a dependable veteran starter could be the final touch that ties it all together.
In a season where the margins will matter, adding a pitcher who can take the ball every fifth day and keep the team in the game is more than just a luxury-it’s a strategic advantage. And if Braves fans need a reminder of how that can work out, they only need to look back to Harang’s 2014 run. Sometimes, the best moves are the ones that don’t make headlines-until October rolls around.