Braves Predicted to Sign Veteran Cy Young Winner

The Atlanta Braves are looking to bolster their starting rotation with an experienced arm.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Atlanta Braves are reportedly exploring options to sign a veteran starting pitcher to add depth and experience to their rotation. With young righty Spencer Schwellenbach set to miss significant time due to an elbow injury, the Braves are in need of an impactful arm that can start playoff games. Free agent Max Scherzer, a 2-time Cy Young winner, 2-time World Series champion, and 8-time All-Star, has been mentioned as a potential target for the Braves.

Why it matters

The Braves are hoping to bounce back and make the playoffs this season after missing out last year. Adding an experienced starter like Scherzer could provide a major boost to their rotation and postseason aspirations. However, Scherzer's age and recent injury history make him a risky signing, so the Braves will have to weigh the potential upside against the concerns.

The details

Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos has stated the team is looking to add an "impactful" starter, preferably with postseason experience. The injury to Schwellenbach, who was expected to play a key role, has heightened the Braves' need for rotation depth. While Scherzer's name has been floated, it's unclear if the 41-year-old would be willing to sign with Atlanta or if the Braves can afford his likely high price tag.

  • The Braves opened spring training with the news that Schwellenbach will miss significant time due to elbow inflammation.
  • Scherzer, who turns 42 in July, is openly considering sitting out until the middle of the season to keep his body fresh for a potential World Series contender.

The players

Alex Anthopoulos

The general manager of the Atlanta Braves.

Spencer Schwellenbach

A 25-year-old right-handed pitcher in the Braves' organization who is expected to miss significant time due to an elbow injury.

Max Scherzer

A 41-year-old free agent pitcher who is a 2-time Cy Young winner, 2-time World Series champion, and 8-time All-Star.

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What they’re saying

“We've explored the starting rotation, adding and getting some type of starter, whether that's a trade or signing. We'd like for it to be someone impactful, someone we think can start a playoff game.”

— Alex Anthopoulos, Braves GM (Sporting News)

“The Braves opened camp this morning with an unwelcome update on talented young righty Spencer Schwellenbach. He's been placed on the 60-day injured list due to inflammation in his right elbow.”

— Steve Adams, MLB Trade Rumors writer (MLB Trade Rumors)

“We have to throw Scherzer's name in here, although the fit would appear to be questionable. It's unclear just how much the 41-year-old (who will turn 42 in July) still has left in the tank; he's battled nagging injuries for the last few seasons, and he's openly flirting with the idea of sitting out until the middle of the season in order to keep his body fresh — and make sure he's signing with a World Series contender.”

— Chris Landers, FanSided writer (FanSided)

What’s next

The Braves will need to weigh the potential upside of signing Scherzer against the concerns over his age and injury history. They may also explore other free agent or trade options to bolster their starting rotation.

The takeaway

The Braves' search for an experienced starting pitcher has taken on added urgency with the injury to young prospect Spencer Schwellenbach. While a veteran like Max Scherzer could provide a significant boost, the Braves will have to carefully evaluate the risks and costs associated with such a signing.