Braves Predicted to Sign $34M Former Mets Cy Young-Caliber Arm to Pair with Chris Sale

The Braves are in dire need of another starting pitcher after a string of injuries during Spring Training.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 5:10pm

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The Atlanta Braves are reportedly considering signing free agent pitcher Frankie Montas to a one-year deal to bolster their starting rotation, which has been hit hard by injuries this spring. Montas, a former Cy Young-caliber arm who spent the last couple of seasons with the New York Mets, could provide a veteran presence to pair with Chris Sale and help stabilize the Braves' pitching staff.

Why it matters

The Braves have been plagued by injuries to key pitchers like Spencer Schwellenbach, Hurston Waldrep, Joey Wentz, and Spencer Strider, leaving them in need of an experienced arm to step in and contribute. Signing Montas, who has shown flashes of dominance in the past, could be a low-risk, high-reward move that helps the Braves remain competitive in the NL East.

The details

After several Braves pitchers went down with injuries at the start of Spring Training, the team is now actively exploring options to add a veteran starter to their rotation. Frankie Montas, a former Cy Young contender with the New York Mets, has emerged as a potential target on a one-year deal worth around $34 million. Montas struggled with consistency and injuries last season, but the Braves are hoping that pairing him with the experienced Chris Sale could help him regain his form and provide a boost to their pitching staff.

  • On the first day of Spring Training, the Braves placed Spencer Schwellenbach on the 60-day injured list due to elbow inflammation.
  • Shortly after, Hurston Waldrep also went down with an injury, and Joey Wentz was ruled out for the year.
  • Most recently, Spencer Strider landed on the injured list, further depleting the Braves' starting rotation.

The players

Alex Anthopoulos

The general manager of the Atlanta Braves, who has been exploring options to add a starting pitcher to the team's rotation.

Spencer Schwellenbach

A 25-year-old right-handed pitcher in the Braves' organization who was placed on the 60-day injured list with elbow inflammation.

Frankie Montas

A free agent pitcher who is being considered by the Braves on a potential one-year, $34 million contract to bolster their starting rotation.

Chris Sale

The veteran left-handed pitcher for the Braves, who could provide leadership and experience to help Montas if he is signed.

Walt Weiss

The first-year manager of the Atlanta Braves.

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What they’re saying

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

— Alex Anthopoulos, General Manager, Atlanta Braves

“With poor performance a season ago but recognizable potential, Montas fits the mold of Atlanta's tendencies. The Braves could sign Montas to a small one-year deal to see if things mesh well but wouldn't be in a world of hurt if they have to release him.”

— Austin Owens, FanSided Writer

What’s next

The Braves will continue to monitor the free agent market and Montas' potential fit with the team as they look to solidify their starting rotation ahead of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Braves' rash of spring training injuries has left them in a precarious position with their starting rotation, forcing them to explore options like signing Frankie Montas to a one-year deal. While Montas has shown flashes of brilliance in the past, the Braves are hoping that pairing him with the veteran leadership of Chris Sale can help him regain his form and provide a much-needed boost to their pitching staff.