The Atlanta Braves are hoping that the 2026 MLB season brings them back into the mix of contenders in the National League.
Last season, the Braves struggled to get going. When all was said and done, they finished the year with a 76-86 record. That placed them No. 4 in the National League East division race, which is not close to where Atlanta wants to be.
It has been a few years since the Braves were viewed as a serious contender.
Atlanta has quite a few pieces in place. In order to get back to being a postseason contender, the Braves simply need to make a few improvements. Adding another starting pitcher should be an offseason priority.
Keeping that in mind, Atlanta has received a new prediction that would see the team land a future Hall of Fame starting pitcher.
CBS Sports analyst R.J. Anderson has predicted that Justin Verlander will end up signing with the Braves.
“Verlander is a past Cy Young Award winner and a future Hall of Famer. If the latter parts of the 2025 season are any indication, he’s also a positive present-day contributor,” Anderson wrote.
“Verlander salvaged what looked like a lost year by putting forth an impressive 13-start stretch after tinkering with his mechanics and forging a sweeper. He shouldn’t be cast as any club’s No. 1 or 2 starter heading into the new year, but a team employing him as the world’s most famous No. 3 or 4 is in a good state of being.”
Should the Atlanta Braves Sign Justin Verlander?
Quite simply, the answer is yes. There is no downside to signing Verlander to a one-year contract, even at this stage of his career.
Last season with the San Francisco Giants, the longtime star made 29 starts. He compiled a 4-11 record to go along with a 3.85 ERA, a 1.36 WHIP, a 2.6 K/BB ratio, and 152 innings pitched.
Those numbers may not be superstar caliber production, but he’s still a capable starter.
As mentioned by Anderson in his article, Verlander is a quality option to be a No. 3 or No. 4 starting pitcher. If that is the role that Atlanta has in mind, bringing Verlander onboard would be a quality move to make.
What Have the Braves Done So Far This Offseason?
The Braves have been fairly active so far this offseason. While they haven’t made any big splash moves, they have made some quality additions.
Among the new players coming to the team in 2026 are relief pitcher Robert Suarez, shortstop Ha-Seong Kim, reliever Raisel Iglesias, outfielder Mike Yastrzemski, and infielder Mauricio Dubon.
Granted, none of those moves are big splash additions. However, Atlanta has improved its depth with the offseason it has been able to put together.
Verlander would be a nice final move for the Braves. They could consider adding more pieces even if they do sign Verlander, but he would provide a nice punch to the rotation.
Expect to hear more rumors about Atlanta in the near future. Verlander’s market isn’t huge, but the Braves are certainly a team worth keeping an eye on.
Atlanta Braves Predicted to Make Move for Future Hall of Famer