The Atlanta Braves enter the 2026 season with renewed hope following a disappointing performance last year. After seven consecutive postseason appearances, the Braves are making a significant change by appointing bench coach Walt Weiss as the new manager. Dealing with injuries severely impacted their rotation, highlighting a need for more robust pitching depth.
MLB analyst Jared Carrabis has thrown Justin Verlander’s name into the mix as a potential asset for the Braves’ pitching lineup for the upcoming season. The Braves are reportedly one of the front-runners looking to secure free agent right-hander Lucas Giolito. Carrabis believes Verlander could serve as a viable backup plan if securing Giolito doesn’t come to fruition.
“Justin Verlander on a one-year deal,” Carrabis mentioned during an appearance on MLB Network. “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
As he embarks on his 21st season in the league, excluding a missed 2021 year due to Tommy John surgery, Verlander’s experience is invaluable. Last year, he signed a one-year $15 million deal with the San Francisco Giants. After a rocky start, he rebounded in the second half of the season, completing 152.0 innings across 29 starts with a 3.85 ERA.
Atlanta Braves Presents Ideal Opportunity for Justin Verlander
According to Carrabis, despite his age, Verlander remains highly motivated to excel on the mound. The three-time Cy Young winner is passionate about reaching significant career milestones. The Braves offer an attractive environment with a chance to compete for championships and a favorable climate in Georgia, making it a desirable destination 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 elaborated. “It’s pretty clear—it’s a legacy thing. He wants a chance to win. He’s pursuing 300 wins. How attainable that is—I don’t know. I respect the hell out of him for trying to get there.”
In addition to leading all active pitchers in wins, Verlander also holds the most innings pitched. The nine-time All-Star boasts a career 266-158 record, with 3567.2 innings logged and 3553 strikeouts. Verlander’s journey includes being named American League Rookie of the Year in 2006, followed by an MVP award in 2011 when he also achieved a Triple Crown.
