The Atlanta Braves are still in the market for a starting pitcher to punctuate their impressive offseason. Both the trade market and the free-agent class present viable options to upgrade Atlanta’s rotation. While upside is limited on the free-agent market, a few veterans could be had at reasonable rates if Alex Anthopoulos chooses to go that route.
Some fans are sour on the idea of adding a veteran pitcher like Chris Bassitt to the rotation, but one former Brave should give fans more confidence that a Bassitt-type signing could work out in 2026. The former Brave in question is none other than Aaron Harang.
Why Aaron Harang's 2014 season with the Braves should give them confidence in adding a veteran starter
Reliable veterans in the rotation are a luxury to have. Aaron Harang’s 2014 season was a great reminder that pitchers can still put together magical seasons late in their careers. Back in 2014, a 36 year-old Harang was coming off one of the worst seasons of his career, which is why he was available for Atlanta to sign in late March.
Yet Harang somehow churned out one of the best seasons of his 14-year big league career. In 204 innings with Atlanta, he posted a 3.57 ERA and FIP and finished with 2.2 bWAR. That rebound could serve as proof that current veterans like Marcus Stroman can bounce back from a rough 2025 season.
However, skepticism is understandable when it comes to pitchers coming off a down year. That’s why the focus circles back to a durable, consistent arm like Chris Bassitt. Last season, Bassitt posted a 3.96 ERA, a 4.01 FIP, and 2.1 bWAR in his age-36 season. He is one of the few free-agent options with a strong track record, recent success in 2025, and years of proven durability.
Over a decade ago, Harang showed us that veterans can still hang at times. The 2026 Braves have a clear need for a pitcher just like that. Chris Bassitt is the name we’ve focused on most, but fans shouldn’t be surprised if Alex Anthopoulos finds a pitcher he trusts and pulls the trigger. Atlanta has pitching prospects waiting in the wings, but the addition of a trustworthy veteran would truly be the icing on the cake for this offseason.