After losing out on Justin Verlander, FanSided’s Christopher Kline believes the Atlanta Braves should pivot their focus to another future Hall of Fame pitcher to bolster their rotation. Kline emphasized that the Braves are in a win-now mode, and adding an elite veteran presence would not only address their immediate need for pitching depth but also elevate their postseason prospects. With the free-agent market still offering high-caliber options, Kline argued that Atlanta should target someone with a proven track record, playoff experience, and the ability to mentor their younger arms.
Kline’s suggestion comes in the wake of the Braves missing out on Verlander, who would have provided a dominant top-of-the-rotation arm alongside Spencer Strider and Max Fried. While Verlander ultimately signed elsewhere, the Braves’ aggressive pursuit underscored their commitment to adding an elite pitcher. According to Kline, the logical next step would be to pursue a similarly decorated veteran who can deliver both on and off the field. One name that has emerged in discussions is Clayton Kershaw, the longtime Los Angeles Dodgers ace and surefire Hall of Famer. Kershaw, though nearing the twilight of his career, remains one of the most effective and reliable pitchers in the game when healthy. His ability to navigate high-pressure situations and his wealth of postseason experience make him an attractive target for a team like the Braves, who are aiming to build a roster capable of deep October runs.
Kline also floated the idea of pursuing Max Scherzer, another future Hall of Famer whose intensity and competitiveness would fit well within Atlanta’s clubhouse culture. Scherzer’s track record of durability and success, combined with his leadership qualities, could provide the Braves with the kind of veteran anchor they need to complement their younger stars. While Scherzer is currently under contract, the possibility of a trade could emerge if his current team looks to retool or offload salary.
The Braves’ urgency to make a splash stems from their need to shore up their rotation after injuries and inconsistencies hampered their depth in 2023. Although Spencer Strider and Max Fried are among the best pitchers in baseball, the back end of the rotation struggled to provide stability. Kline argues that adding a future Hall of Famer would not only address this issue but also send a strong message to the rest of the league that Atlanta remains a powerhouse in the National League.
However, pursuing a marquee name like Kershaw or Scherzer would come with challenges. For one, both pitchers have limited availability, either due to existing contracts or loyalty to their current teams. Additionally, their advanced age and injury histories present risks, particularly in long-term deals or trades that require significant prospect capital. Kline acknowledges these concerns but maintains that the potential rewards far outweigh the risks for a team with championship aspirations.
In conclusion, Christopher Kline believes the Braves should capitalize on the opportunity to acquire a future Hall of Fame pitcher, even after missing out on Justin Verlander. By targeting a player like Clayton Kershaw or Max Scherzer, Atlanta can reinforce its rotation, enhance its postseason prospects, and solidify its status as one of baseball’s elite franchises. While such a move would require careful negotiation and a willingness to take on risk, the potential payoff—a return to World Series glory—makes it a gamble worth considering.