Braves rumors heating up connecting team to Justin Verlander

The Atlanta Braves could be in on Justin Verlander, as they check his boxes in terms of a free agent fit. 

Verlander wants to play for an East coast contender, and one that trains in Florida. The Braves just won the World Series, so check. Atlanta is considered an East coast city, and their Spring Training facility is in Sarasota County.

Atlanta could use some rotation help, though it shouldn’t come at the expense of losing first baseman Freddie Freeman. The Braves star is set to earn close to $28 million per season on what he hopes is a six-year deal. He is Atlanta’s top priority.

But Verlander makes sense for several reasons, the first being injuries to Charlie Morton and Mike Soroka.

Braves rumors: Will they sign Justin Verlander?

Per David O’Brien of The Athletic, the Braves are among the teams that have interest in Verlander.

Verlander held a public workout in recent weeks and obviously impressed scouts, given the number of potential suitors he’s seen since. JV likely wants a contract north of $20 million, especially if it’s short-term. Noah Syndergaard just got a one-year, $21 million contract from the Angels. Both are veterans who are past the hurdle of Tommy John surgery.

The similarities between Syndergaard and Verlander mean Thor’s contract was great news for JV. The Braves signed Charlie Morton to a similar contract last offseason, and extended him for another year before the end of the season.

Morton worked out in their favor, and Verlander is a similar risk.

Justin Verlander injury

Verlander is expected to be back for 2022 after missing all of last season recovering from Tommy John surgery.