Braves Could Reunite With Kevin Gausman for Rotation Help

The Atlanta Braves could address a need in their starting rotation by pursuing Kevin Gausman, who pitched for the team in 2018 and 2019. The veteran right-hander is viewed as a potentially less expensive alternative to higher-priced free agents as Atlanta looks to contend in 2027.

Gausman has made 148 starts for Toronto from 2022 through 2026, with a 3.62 ERA. He recorded a 3.35 ERA in 2022, then led the American League with 237 strikeouts in 2023, when he posted a 3.16 ERA and finished as a Cy Young Award finalist.

He also contributed during Toronto’s 2025 World Series run, posting a 2.93 ERA across 30⅓ postseason innings and striking out 26. A reunion would give Atlanta an experienced starter behind Chris Sale, while bringing back a pitcher already familiar with the club.

The financial comparison favors Gausman in the projections cited for the offseason. He is estimated to command a two-year, $44 million deal, compared with two years and $55 million for Sonny Gray and four years and $92 million for Michael King. A $22 million annual average for Gausman would save Atlanta $10 million over two seasons against Gray’s projected average annual value.

That potential savings would not cover the projected $18 million cost of a two-year deal for Mauricio Dubón, but it could help the Braves decide whether to bring the Gold Glove winner back. Gausman is presented as a way to add a durable, strikeout-capable starter without paying for a top-of-market ace.