With one of the most logical rotation targets now off the board, the Atlanta Braves face renewed questions about their next move. Throughout the offseason, fans have urged general manager Alex Anthopoulos to bolster the pitching staff with a dependable arm, but Wednesday evening brought news that a key option has signed elsewhere.
Former Blue Jay Chris Bassitt appeared to be an ideal fit for the Braves this offseason — a sentiment that only intensified when the club announced Spencer Schwellenbach would start the season on the 60-day IL the very day pitchers and catchers reported to spring training. However, Bassitt will remain in the AL East, reportedly agreeing to a one-year, $18.5 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles.
MLBTR had Bassitt’s contract prediction at 2 years/$38M. FanGraphs crowdsource had him getting 2 years/$37M
— Stephen (@b_outliers) February 12, 2026
Needless to say, I would’ve be thrilled getting Bassitt at 1/$18M
Where does Atlanta turn after missing out on Chris Bassitt?
The veteran right-hander appeared to be the most logical remaining fit for Atlanta on the free-agent market. Zac Gallen comes with a qualifying offer attached, and starters such as Lucas Giolito carry legitimate concerns about their 2026 production. Bassitt seemed to represent the ideal middle ground, but ultimately Anthopoulos did not view the situation the same way.
The soon-to-be 37-year-old Bassitt was widely believed to remain unsigned into February because he was seeking at least a two-year deal. Instead, he ultimately agreed to a contract worth less than $19 million, leaving many in Braves country questioning how Atlanta did not surpass that offer.
After missing out on Bassitt, the Braves have only a few clear options to explore. Zac Gallen and Lucas Giolito stand out as the most notable free agents still available, while Pablo López, Bailey Ober, and Luis Severino could emerge as potential trade targets for Anthopoulos. Additionally, there are always the under-the-radar names that Anthopoulos has a knack for unearthing, which could provide a surprise boost to the rotation.
It is entirely possible that Anthopoulos is comfortable relying on the health of Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Reynaldo López, and Grant Holmes, while also believing that one of Hurston Waldrep, JR Ritchie, Bryce Elder, or Joey Wentz can provide stability at the back end of the rotation. For Atlanta’s sake, the hope remains that another signing or trade could still materialize to solidify the staff.
The Braves’ rotation remains uncertain after missing out on Bassitt, leaving questions about depth and stability heading into the season. With free agents like Gallen and Giolito still available and potential trade options on the table, Atlanta has some paths to strengthen the staff. As fans saw last season, rotation depth can falter quickly, making every decision and injury impactful. Ultimately, the team will need a mix of health, performance, and strategic moves to ensure the rotation can carry them through the season.