The Atlanta Braves clearly are in need of several key offseason additions with the infield, bullpen, and rotation already being at the top of the priority list. Thus far, the Braves have brought back closer Raisel Iglesias and made a surprise trade for infielder depth, parting ways with shortstop Nick Allen in the trade. It is still early, but it remains encouraging that the Braves are at least staying very active, looking for ways to improve after a frustrating season.
With this in mind, it's likely going to be a busy season for the front office, especially when it comes to improving the Braves' pitching situation. Although most fans would love to see the big names added to Atlanta's roster, breaking the bank can be risky. That's why this under-the-radar trio is the type of free-agent fit that general manager Alex Anthopoulos can't ignore.
1. Justin Verlander, RHP
Verlander will be 43 years old when the 2026 season begins, but still intends to continue pitching after a middling performance with the San Francisco Giants. The starter's numbers are average, along with his age, are enough to bump down his free agency value and give Atlanta the chance at making an underrated addition. Putting Verlander at the bottom of the rotation allows you to push Reynaldo Lopez back into the bullpen and solves two issues in one move.
Looking at the current roster, the rotation would project out as Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach, Hurston Waldrep, and Verlander. This is a solid five to start the season, requiring only that Atlanta bring in depth options in case of injury or the aging Verlander doesn't have anything left in the tank.
Even if that were proven to be the case, you still have value in bringing in an experienced postseason performer into a young rotation. Waldrep, Strider, and Schwellenbach are yet to be put on the biggest stage and would undeniably benefit from the addition.
2. Brad Keller, RHP
One of the underrated stories of the 2025 season was the surprise emergence of former starter Brad Keller in the Chicago Cubs bullpen. After spending the bulk of his career struggling to find a rotation spot, Keller made the move to the bullpen and quickly became one of Chicago's most reliable arms throughout the 2025 season. This was evidenced by a 2.07 ERA and consistently delivering in clutch situations, playing to a career-best 0.962 WHIP.
Early on, it is likely that Keller is going to be overlooked based on the bigger names slated to hit the market. It is at least worth a phone call for a Braves bullpen that looks increasingly questionable. Aaron Bummer and Raisel Iglesias appear to be the only definitive names that you can pencil at the back of the current pen.
This obviously is far from ideal, and Keller gives you a chance to greatly improve this depth at what could be a bargain rate.
3. Kenley Jansen, RHP
The former Braves closer had a bit of a resurgence in his age-38 season, tallying a 2.59 ERA and 29 saves with the lowly Los Angeles Angels, and remains an interesting option to add to the back of any pen.
Signing Jansen is about getting the possible upside of an experienced closer without the top-dollar spending. Iglesias is coming off a question mark of a 2025 season where the right-hander was awful before the All-Star Break, only to turn back into a reliable option in the season's final two months.
Adding Jansen is as much about Iglesias as it is the clear fit that the veteran reliever could be. It is at least worth picking up the phone and finding out what it takes to get a deal done. As is the case with Verlander, the reliever's market could be pushed out of Atlanta's comfort zone based on name recognition.
Still, it is a move that makes sense for both sides and should be explored in the next weeks of the offseason. Making all three of these moves would solidify the bullpen and go a long way in stabilizing the bottom of the Braves' rotation in 2026.