Braves predicted to reunite with $110M former Cy Young finalist to create elite duo with Chris Sale

Braves predicted to reunite with $110M former Cy Young finalist to create elite duo with Chris Sale originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Atlanta Braves enter the offseason with a clear understanding of what needs to be addressed before next season. After a disappointing showing in the NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers , Atlanta has several questions to answer as it looks to get back into championship contention. Starting pitching will be one of the organization's biggest priorities this winter. That need becomes even more pressing with uncertainty surrounding the availability of several key arms in 2027. “The Atlanta Braves enter another offseason trying to solve the same puzzle: how to enhance their starting rotation. In 2026, they hoped Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep were the cavalry needed to solve the issues. But all three dealt with injuries and can't be counted on to pitch in 2027," The Athletic's Jesus Cano wrote. As things currently stand, the only certainty in Atlanta's rotation is that Chris Sale will once again lead the staff as its ace. “While it wasn't their downfall in the end, the starting rotation has been a constant thorn in the Atlanta Braves' side for multiple seasons now. For 2026, it was no different. As the page turns to 2027, it's to see how it shakes up. There will be at least one guarantee. Chris Sale is the ace. You probably guarantee that Bryce Elder is in the mix, too, along with Grant Holmes. After that, we'll see what happens," SI's Harrison Smajovits wrote. With so much uncertainty surrounding the rest of the rotation, Sports Illustrated's Roman Janeiro believes Atlanta should consider reuniting with former Braves starter Kevin Gausman. “One of Atlanta's biggest needs is in the starting rotation. And while Gray and King are great options, Kevin Gausman may be a perfect fit this offseason. Gausman pitched for Atlanta in 2018 and 2019, but the former first-round pick experienced something of a career resurgence in Toronto. From 2022 to 2026, Gausman made 148 starts and recorded a 3.62 ERA. He posted a 3.35 ERA in 2022 and led the American League in strikeouts a year later with 237. He also finished 2023 with a 3.16 ERA and recognition as a Cy Young finalist,” Janeiro wrote. Bringing Gausman back to Atlanta could give the Braves a dangerous one-two punch at the top of their rotation. He has established himself as one of the more dependable veteran starters in the game and would give the team another proven arm behind Sale. Gausman's previous success as a Cy Young finalist also shows the type of upside he could bring to the staff. Gausman recently completed his $110 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays , making him a potential target for Atlanta in free agency. If the Braves fail to make an aggressive move to address their rotation this winter, they could find themselves facing similar issues throughout the regular season. Why signing Kevin Gausman should happen Gausman has proven he can be a difference-maker at the top of a rotation, particularly during his time in Toronto. With Atlanta facing uncertainty surrounding Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep, adding another established starter could be an important step toward stabilizing the pitching staff. Acquiring Gausman would give the Braves two proven starters at the top of the rotation. From there, Atlanta could build out the rest of its starting staff with the pitchers it believes best complement Sale and Gausman. The Braves cannot afford to ignore their starting rotation this offseason. Reuniting with Gausman could be exactly the type of move they need to make. More MLB news: Blue Jays predicted to sign $25M ex-Yankees high-impact arm to create nasty duo with Dylan Cease Braves predicted to sign $6.2M starter who had career resurgence with Orioles to be Chris Sale heir Yankees predicted to sign superstar Triple Crown winner to replace Ryan McMahon amid struggles Blue Jays predicted to sign $85M Gold Glove finalist to fill major need left by George Springer