The Atlanta Braves have fresh optimism for the new 2026 season after a bitterly disappointing campaign last year. Bench coach Walt Weiss takes over from Brian Snitker as the new manager after the team ended a run of seven straight postseason appearances. Injuries depleted their starting pitching options considerably, so they may want to add more depth in that department.
MLB analyst Jared Carrabis suggested that Justin Verlander could be a shrewd addition to the Atlanta Braves rotation as a season-long rental. The Braves are allegedly one of the contenders hoping to sign fellow free agent right-hander Lucas Giolito. Carrabis feels the Braves can pursue Verlander as the alternative if they do not sign Giolito.
“Justin Verlander on a one-year deal,” Carrabis said during an appearance for MLB Network on Friday. “If it’s not so much a Lucas Giolito on a multi-year deal, then, I think, yeah, a one-year Justin Verlander? Why not?”