Braves Rumors: Atlanta Urged to Sign Chris Bassitt After Spencer Schwellenbach’s Injury

The Atlanta Braves are no strangers to adversity, and with Spring Training just beginning, they are already dealing with a significant blow to their pitching staff. Spencer Schwellenbach, a promising young arm, is set to miss a considerable amount of time due to an injury. This setback has raised questions about the Braves’ rotation, and many believe the team should act quickly to add more depth. One name that has been brought up repeatedly in rumors is Chris Bassitt, and there is growing speculation that the Braves should make a move to sign him.

Schwellenbach’s Injury and Its Impact

The Braves were hoping for a healthier season after dealing with an injury-plagued 2025 campaign. However, Spencer Schwellenbach, who was expected to play a key role in the bullpen and possibly the rotation, is now facing an uncertain future. The 24-year-old has been placed on the 60-day IL with elbow inflammation, and he has been dealing with potential bone spurs in his elbow, which could require arthroscopic surgery. The timeline for recovery is unclear, and Schwellenbach’s absence could leave the Braves short-handed in their pitching staff.

Why Chris Bassitt Makes Sense for the Braves

With Schwellenbach’s injury, the Braves find themselves in need of additional stability and depth in their pitching rotation. This is where Chris Bassitt comes into play. The right-handed veteran has been a consistent performer for the New York Mets and has the experience the Braves need to fill the void left by Schwellenbach’s absence.

Many, including Stephen Tolbert of the Hammer Territory Podcast, believe the Braves should sign Bassitt to bolster their rotation. Tolbert argued that even if the Braves have to overpay by $5 million, it would be worth it to ensure they don’t face another lost season due to a lack of rotation depth. “The Braves need to add more stability to the roster by adding more depth to it. Go sign Chris Bassitt. That’s the easiest thing to do,” Tolbert said.

Bassitt, 34, is a durable and reliable pitcher who posted solid numbers with the Mets. His ability to eat innings and provide consistency would make him an ideal addition to the Braves’ rotation. Adding a pitcher with Bassitt’s skill set could ensure that the Braves stay competitive in the NL East and give them the depth they need to withstand any further injuries.

A Connection with New Braves Pitching Coach Jeremy Hefner

Another factor in the Bassitt speculation is the relationship between Bassitt and the Braves’ new pitching coach Jeremy Hefner. Hefner previously worked with Bassitt during their time together with the Mets, and this connection could help the Braves in their pursuit of the free-agent pitcher. According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, Hefner has a good rapport with Bassitt, and his familiarity with the pitcher could be a selling point for the Braves.

“As Braves assess impact of Schwellenbach’s injury, worth noting that new ATL pitching coach Jeremy Hefner worked with unsigned FA Chris Bassitt when both were with the Mets,” Olney wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “Bassitt has a reputation for being great in the clubhouse.”

The Braves could use this connection to their advantage, offering Bassitt a familiar environment with a coach who understands his strengths and weaknesses. Hefner’s familiarity with Bassitt could lead to a smooth transition and better results on the mound.

Bassitt’s Market and the Braves’ Competitive Edge

While the Braves would certainly not be the only team interested in Bassitt’s services, they have some potential advantages in landing him. Given the Braves’ strong team culture, stable management, and pitching infrastructure, they could offer Bassitt the opportunity to compete for a World Series. The team’s potential for success in 2026 could be appealing to a veteran like Bassitt, who is likely looking for a contender to pitch for in the latter stages of his career.

Additionally, while other teams might have more flexibility in terms of payroll, the Braves’ need for pitching depth and their connection with Hefner could give them an edge in negotiations.

The Braves’ Road Ahead Without Schwellenbach

While it’s unclear when Spencer Schwellenbach will return, the Braves must find a way to fill the gap left by his absence. Chris Bassitt could be the perfect solution for the Braves, providing much-needed rotation depth and adding a reliable arm to a staff that already includes Max Fried, Kyle Wright, and Spencer Strider. The Braves will likely continue to evaluate their options as Spring Training progresses, but signing Bassitt could be the key to keeping them competitive in a tough NL East division.

Conclusion

The Atlanta Braves are already facing challenges in 2026, with Spencer Schwellenbach’s injury serving as a reminder of the unpredictability of a baseball season. However, the opportunity to add Chris Bassitt to their pitching staff is an option that makes too much sense to ignore. With a strong connection to the new pitching coach and the need for more depth, the Braves could significantly improve their chances of success by bringing in Bassitt.

As the team continues to assess the situation and make decisions heading into the season, Bassitt’s potential arrival could provide the stability the Braves need to contend for another World Series. This offseason, the Braves may very well look back at their decision to sign Chris Bassitt as one of the key moves in their pursuit of a championship.