Alex Anthopoulos loves a reunion, and one former Atlanta Braves starting pitcher could be a perfect fit for Atlanta this winter. Kevin Gausman will be one of the more accomplished, reliable starters in the free agent pool this offseason; with Atlanta's dire need in the rotation, a reunion makes a ton of sense.
Of course, every free agent is dependent on his market staying in a comfortable range for Alex Anthopoulos, and Gausman is no different. If you think Gausman's track record means he is in line for a big payday, you are extremely mistaken. Luckily for Atlanta, Gausman's age and second half performance in 2026 should keep his price tag feasible for the Braves to make a move.
Kevin Gausman, Filthy Splitters. 😷
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) March 28, 2026
9th and 10th Ks thru 5 pic.twitter.com/OmsOiPxLGH
Due to his second half stuggles, Kevin Gausman's market could line up perfectly for the Braves
Gausman was one of the top arms traded at the deadline this August, and his Cubs' tenure did not go as well as Chicago had hoped. The aging Gausman seemed to run out of steam with Chicago, posting a 4.83 ERA and 4.33 FIP in nine starts with the Cubs. Gausman was acquired with hopes of leading a postseason run in Chicago, but the Cubbies limped to the finish line and were quickly bounced from the playoffs by San Diego.
Gausman will pitch in 2027 as a 36-year-old, and it will be his 15th season at the Major League level. Last season, Gausman's four-seam fastball averaged below 94 mph for the first time since 2019. However, Gausman still found a way to rank in the 66th percentile in strikeout rate, so he's not entirely dependent on BABIP luck.
It's not yet known exactly how the Braves will spend their money this offseason, but adding multiple arms to the rotation seems like a safe bet. Atlanta isn't going to dive into the Tarik Skubal sweepstakes, but a veteran arm like Gausman, Sonny Gray, or Nick Martinez could be of interest to Anthopoulos.
Anthopoulos sought out Gausman once before, and this time he will have the chance to do so in free agency. Rightfully so, plenty of attention will go toward improving the offense this winter, but let us not forget how often the Braves were short on starting pitching over the last couple of years. Gausman has made at least 31 starts in each season since 2021; his durability is a skill set Atlanta's rotation has been lacking for quite some time. Hopefully, Gausman's late season swoon is enough to spook every other team away from his future services, because the veteran right-hander clearly still has some skills that can be of assistance to Atlanta in 2027.
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