Atlanta Braves Predicted to Sign Frankie Montas: Low-Cost Fix for Chris Sale-Led Rotation

The Atlanta Braves enter the 2026 season with a familiar strength—their offense—but a growing concern on the mound. With multiple starters sidelined and only Chris Sale anchoring the rotation, Atlanta’s need for pitching depth has become urgent.

According to projections highlighted by The Sporting News, the Braves may turn to a practical, short-term solution: signing veteran right-hander Frankie Montas to a one-year deal worth approximately $6.4 million.

Braves Rotation in Crisis Mode

Opening Day has arrived—but Atlanta’s rotation is far from settled.

Injuries have thinned the starting staff, leaving the Braves dangerously reliant on Sale, who himself has battled durability issues in recent years. That lack of depth puts immediate pressure on the front office to act quickly.

While fans have pushed for a bigger move—particularly targeting Lucas Giolito—such a signing appears increasingly unlikely.

Instead, Atlanta may pivot toward a more realistic option: a veteran “rental” who can stabilize the back end of the rotation without long-term financial risk.

Why Frankie Montas Makes Sense

At first glance, Montas might not excite fans.

But dig deeper, and the fit becomes clear.

A 10-year MLB veteran and former Cy Young candidate, Montas brings:

• Experience across multiple rotations
• The ability to eat innings when healthy
• Upside that exceeds his current market value

Last season with the New York Mets, Montas posted:

• 3–2 record
• 6.28 ERA
• 32 strikeouts
• 1.603 WHIP in 38 innings

Those numbers don’t jump off the page—but they came in a limited sample size and under inconsistent usage.

For Atlanta, the goal wouldn’t be perfection—it would be reliability.

A Classic Low-Risk, High-Reward Move

What makes this potential signing especially appealing is the cost.

A projected one-year, $6.4 million deal is:

• Affordable
• Flexible
• Easy to move on from if things don’t work out

In today’s market, that’s the definition of a low-risk investment.

If Montas struggles, the Braves can cut ties with minimal financial impact.

If he rebounds—even modestly—he becomes a valuable asset, either as a contributor or potential trade piece later in the season.

Not the Splash Fans Want—But the Move They Need

There’s a clear disconnect between expectation and reality.

Fans may prefer a headline-grabbing addition like Giolito. But given the timing, market conditions, and Atlanta’s roster construction, a move like Montas is far more practical.

And sometimes, practical wins.

Montas wouldn’t be asked to carry the rotation. Instead, his role would be:

• Providing innings at the back end
• Keeping games competitive
• Reducing strain on the bullpen

In a rotation currently lacking depth, that alone has value.

The Bigger Picture: Buy Time Until Reinforcements Arrive

Signing Montas would also serve a strategic purpose—it buys time.

Time for:

• Injured starters to return
• Younger pitchers to develop
• The front office to evaluate midseason trade options

Without that buffer, the Braves risk overworking their bullpen and falling behind early in the standings.

Final Outlook: A Necessary Move for a Contender

The Atlanta Braves are still built to compete—but only if they address their biggest weakness.

Adding Frankie Montas won’t fix everything.

But it will:

• Stabilize a shaky rotation
• Provide much-needed depth
• Give Atlanta a fighting chance early in the season

In a long 162-game campaign, not every move has to be flashy.

Some just have to work.

And right now, for the Braves, doing something—and doing it quickly—might matter more than making the perfect move.