The Atlanta Braves have been one of the most active teams in MLB’s free agency this offseason. The expectation is that the Braves aren’t done making moves, and even GM Alex Anthopoulos has gone on record as saying Atlanta could use another impactful starter.
After clearing up much-needed areas, like the bullpen, with the signing of Robert Suarez, another wishlist item for the Braves is a depth starter. Atlanta doesn’t necessarily need a frontline arm, as they have Chris Sale and Spencer Schwellenbach as top options, but signing an arm that can provide innings every fifth day could go a long way.
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Starter Chris Bassitt Could be a Top Target for Atlanta
Former Toronto Blue Jays starter Chris Bassitt could (and should) be a top free agent target for the Atlanta Braves. He is the perfect innings-eater that could slot in as the Braves’ fourth or fifth starter.
Bassitt was an All-Star in 2021 with the Athletics and has been a very durable starter ever since. In 2025, Bassitt posted a 3.96 ERA over 1701. innings and 31 starts. Bassitt has made 30+ starts and thrown 170+ innings in four straight seasons.
The 36-year-old Bassitt was crucial to the Blue Jays’ World Series run, but Toronto opted to use him primarily in a bullpen role throughout the playoffs.
Chris Bassitt//Getty
Not considered to be one of the top free agent starters in terms of total value, but Bassitt is almost guaranteed to help almost any MLB team he joins due to his ability to just take the ball every fifth day.
The Braves would have to be aggressive in the pursuit of Bassitt because other NL contenders like the Mets are certainly going to be looking into adding him as well.
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What is Chris Bassitt’s Value?
As an aging arm, Chris Bassitt isn’t likely to land a multi-year, lucrative extension. He may end up receiving a two-year deal, but anything beyond that in terms of years is unlikely.
It’s not as if he is regressing by any means, but entering his 12th MLB season, history isn’t on his side in terms of being a top arm for much longer.
However, the Braves should still meet Chris Bassitt on his contract demands to bolster the starting rotation.
According to Spotrac, Bassitt’s market value is listed at two years, $31 million, with an AAV of a little north of $15 million.
BaseballReference.com projects Bassitt to throw 162 innings next season and post a 4.06 ERA.
If the Braves are unable to reach a deal with Chris Bassitt, a few other names that could be potential targets at the starter position include Nick Martinez, Zac Gallen, Zack Littell, and Justin Verlander.
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