The Atlanta Braves have signed Martín Pérez to a Minor League deal but remain focused on acquiring a top starter ahead of Spring Training. With health concerns surrounding parts of their rotation, the team is eyeing free agents like Chris Bassitt and Zac Gallen. Depth options exist, but a marquee addition could solidify their postseason chances.
The Atlanta Braves are not resting on their recent additions as they prepare for the 2026 season. On Friday, the team signed left-hander Martín Pérez to a Minor League deal, a move aimed at bolstering depth and avoiding the shortage of Spring Training options that plagued them last year. This signing, however, does not signal the end of their search for a frontline starter, according to Mark Bowman's Braves Beat newsletter.
Spring Training kicks off on February 10 in North Port, Florida, with pitchers and catchers reporting soon. The Braves' rotation candidates include Pérez, Bryce Elder, Joey Wentz, and Hurston Waldrep, providing solid depth. Yet, uncertainties loom: No. 4 starter Reynaldo López is recovering from shoulder surgery, and No. 5 starter Grant Holmes is dealing with an elbow issue. Additionally, Pérez, Elder, Wentz, and Holmes are all out of options, which could force some into bullpen roles or lead to tough roster decisions.
Bowman notes that Waldrep could emerge as a key fifth starter, but relying on him early would indicate deeper problems with the depth built by president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos this winter. As camp approaches, rumors suggest Framber Valdez may consider a short-term deal, while Zac Gallen's demands appear to be softening. Chris Bassitt remains a viable short-term option at age 37, having logged 30-plus starts over the past four seasons with a 3.96 ERA and 170 1/3 innings for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2025.
Other potential fits include Lucas Giolito, though signing Gallen would cost the Braves their 26th overall draft pick and associated bonus pool money. Bowman emphasizes the importance of finalizing a deal next week, warning that late Spring Training additions often come with risks. With aces Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach, and Spencer Strider staying healthy, a reliable addition like Bassitt could ensure strong rotation matchups come postseason.