The Atlanta Braves could add Justin Verlander to the starting rotation in 2026.
The Atlanta Braves continue to be linked to veteran arms as they look to solidify their pitching staff for the 2026 MLB season. One name that has surfaced is right-handed veteran Justin Verlander, the three-time Cy Young Award winner and future Hall of Famer.
ESPN’s David Schoenfield recently identified Atlanta as a possible landing spot for Verlander, citing both the Braves’ current rotation concerns and Verlander’s ability to still help a contender. Schoenfield wrote, “The Braves have several pitchers coming off injuries, plus two potentially fragile starters in Chris Sale and Spencer Strider, so maybe a six-man rotation makes sense for them.” His assessment highlights the balance the Braves must strike between upside and durability as they prepare for a long 162-game season.
The Braves’ rotation already features talent at the top, but questions remain. Left-handed ace Chris Sale has battled injuries for much of the past several years, while Spencer Strider has faced scrutiny regarding workload and disappointing results. Other arms are also returning from injuries, leaving the club in need of stability. Verlander, despite being in his 40s, has shown he can still provide innings and leadership to a contender.
The San Francisco Giants appear ready to move forward without Verlander after adding Adrian Houser and Tyler Mahle to their staff. That opens the door for teams like Atlanta to consider whether his experience and track record could be the missing piece. Verlander’s résumé includes more than 3,500 career strikeouts, three Cy Young Awards, nine All-Star selections, two ERA titles and two World Series championships. Even with some recent struggles last year, his ability to deliver in big games and mentor younger pitchers remains valuable.
For the Braves, the idea of a six-man rotation could be appealing. It would allow them to manage innings more carefully, protect Sale and Strider, and maximize the effectiveness of their staff over the course of a 162-game schedule. Adding Verlander would not only provide depth but also give Atlanta another proven arm as they aim to return to the postseason in 2026 following last year’s collapse.
The Braves have already shown urgency this winter by adding reinforcements to the bullpen and the lineup. Pursuing Verlander would signal their commitment to addressing rotation depth, stabilizing the staff, and ensuring they are equipped to contend in a competitive National League. Ultimately, their pursuit of pitching stability may define their chances of reclaiming a postseason spot.