Atlanta Braves (Image Credits: Imagn)

MLB Analyst Links Veteran Pitcher To The Atlanta Braves

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports
By Paranjoy Goswami | Last updated Jan 31, 2026 2:26 PM ET

The Atlanta Braves have fresh optimism for the new 2026 season after a bitterly disappointing campaign last year. Bench coach Walt Weiss takes over from Brian Snitker as the new manager after the team ended a run of seven straight postseason appearances. Injuries depleted their starting pitching options considerably, so they may want to add more depth in that department.

MLB analyst Jared Carrabis suggested that Justin Verlander could be a shrewd addition to the Atlanta Braves rotation as a season-long rental. The Braves are allegedly one of the contenders hoping to sign fellow free agent right-hander Lucas Giolito. Carrabis feels the Braves can pursue Verlander as the alternative if they do not sign Giolito.

“Justin Verlander on a one-year deal,” Carrabis said during an appearance for MLB Network on Friday. “If it’s not so much a Lucas Giolito on a multi-year deal, then, I think, yeah, a one-year Justin Verlander? Why not?”

"If it's not Lucas Giolito on a multi-year deal… one year, Justin Verlander, why not?"@Jared_Carrabis thinks the legendary pitcher could find a home in Atlanta https://t.co/ZrxhFVxEw6 pic.twitter.com/mSWxrvn7Vg
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 31, 2026

Verlander is hoping to start his 21st season in the MLB this year, excluding the 2021 campaign, which he missed entirely after Tommy John surgery. The 42-year-old joined the San Francisco Giants on a one-year $15 million deal in 2025. Following a poor start, he put up a strong second half to the season, finishing the year with 152.0 innings from 29 starts and a 3.85 ERA.

Atlanta Braves Offers Soft Landing Spot for Justin Verlander

Justin Verlander (Image Credits: Imagn)

Jared Carrabis stated that, despite his age, Justin Verlander remains deeply motivated to perform at a high level on the major league mound. The three-time Cy Young winner wants to push himself as far as he can towards reaching some hallowed milestones. The chance to win titles, along with the climate in Georgia, makes the Atlanta Braves a great option for the next stage of his career.

Can Justin Verlander reach 300 wins?

His 266 career victories lead all active pitchers! pic.twitter.com/fex70C82hJ
— MLB (@MLB) December 3, 2025

“If I’m J.V., I want to go where it’s nice and warm, now that I’m in my mid-40s. I’m not pitching anywhere that’s cold. I’m not doing that anymore,” Carrabis said. “I think it’s pretty clear—it’s a legacy thing. He wants a chance to win. He’s chasing 300 wins. How realistic that is—I don’t know. I respect the hell out of him for trying to get there.”

Besides having the most innings among pitchers, Verlander also leads the way with the highest wins. The nine-time All-Star has 82.2 bWAR over his two-decade-long MLB career with a 266-158 lifetime record, 3567.2 innings, and 3553 strikeouts. Verlander was the American League Rookie of the Year in 2006 and an MVP in 2011 when he also bagged a Triple Crown.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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