The Atlanta Braves' quest for a championship just hit a snag. With the unfortunate injury to Spencer Schwellenbach, the Braves are now in a full-blown sprint to add another quality arm to their starting rotation. Could veteran Chris Bassitt be the answer to their pitching prayers?
Quick Stats
- Spencer Schwellenbach placed on 60-day injured list with elbow inflammation.
- Chris Bassitt had a 3.96 ERA in 2025 for the Toronto Blue Jays.
- Alex Anthopoulos wants an "impactful" starter who can start a playoff game.
- Bassitt made 30+ starts each of the past four seasons.
Braves Scrambling for Pitching Depth
Schwellenbach's Injury Creates Urgency
Losing a promising young pitcher like Spencer Schwellenbach before Spring Training even gets going is a tough blow for the Braves. The team placed him on the 60-day injured list due to elbow inflammation, casting a shadow over their pitching plans. This injury amplifies an existing need for rotation depth, pushing Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos to act fast.According to MLB Trade Rumors' Steve Adams, the hope is that Schwellenbach is dealing with bone spurs and not something more serious. But regardless, the Braves need a reliable replacement.
Chris Bassitt: A Potential Solution?
FanSided's Christopher Kline suggests Chris Bassitt as a strong candidate to fill the void. While Bassitt may not be a flashy, high-upside pitcher, his consistency and deep arsenal make him a valuable asset. He offers stability and experience, qualities the Braves desperately need to navigate a long season and make a deep playoff run."Bassitt didn't finish the 2025 season in Toronto's rotation, but he hit the ground running in relief during the team's run to the World Series," Kline wrote. "And while he doesn't offer much upside as a guy in his late 30s with exceedingly average stuff, he should still hold plenty of value for a team in need of some stability at the back of its rotation."
Anthopoulos's Pursuit of an Impactful Starter
Anthopoulos has made it clear that the Braves aren't just looking for any warm body to fill a spot in the rotation. They want someone who can make a real difference. "We’ve explored the starting rotation, adding and getting some type of starter, whether that’s a trade or signing," Anthopoulos said. "We’d like for it to be someone impactful, someone we think can start a playoff game."Bassitt, despite his age, could provide just that. MLB.com's Mark Bowman believes Bassitt would give the Braves exactly what they need, as long as Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach, and Spencer Strider stay healthy.
By The Numbers
- $63 Million: The predicted contract value of the AL wins leader the Braves are targeting [1].
- 3.96 ERA: Chris Bassitt's earned run average with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2025, showcasing his reliability [1].
- 30+: The number of starts Chris Bassitt has made in each of the past four seasons, highlighting his durability [5].
- 60: The number of days Spencer Schwellenbach will be on the injured list, forcing the Braves to seek immediate rotation help [1].
What To Watch Next
- Braves' Moves: Keep an eye on which free agent or trade target the Braves ultimately land to bolster their rotation.
- Spring Training Performance: How will the existing starters perform in Spring Training, and will any other unexpected needs arise?
- Chris Bassitt's Market: Track where Chris Bassitt signs and how his performance impacts his new team.
