In their pursuit to bolster their starting pitching rotation, the Atlanta Braves are reportedly ready to open their wallets in the free-agent market.
According to a report by The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, the Braves are willing to break the bank for the right arm to strengthen their pitching arsenal for the upcoming season.
“No player on Atlanta’s roster is due to make more than $22 million in 2024, but the club is willing to go higher than that for the right free-agent starter,” Rosenthal reported.
"A couple names have really emerged as strong possibilities for the Atlanta Braves… Aaron Nola and Sonny Gray."@jonmorosi | #MLBNHotStove pic.twitter.com/mjm9Qqoz4V
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) November 13, 2023
Among the potential targets for the Braves is veteran Sonny Gray.
MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi revealed that Gray and Aaron Nola have both “emerged as strong possibilities” for Atlanta.
The Braves, coming off a season where rotation injuries hampered their performance, are keen on shoring up their pitching staff.
Max Fried’s limited starts and Charlie Morton’s absence in the NLDS due to injuries exposed the team’s need for reliable arms on the mound.
Fried and Morton, both eligible for free agency next offseason, add urgency to the Braves quest for quality starting pitching.
In the midst of their pursuit, the Philadelphia Phillies are still engaged with Nola. However, Morosi’s report indicates that the Phillies and Nola may not be on the brink of a reunion.
Rosenthal speculates that Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski might be leaning towards a pitcher with a higher strikeout capability, mentioning fellow free agent Blake Snell as a possible fit.
Interestingly, the Phillies are also exploring the option of adding Gray, who is anticipated to be a more budget-friendly alternative compared to Nola or Snell … Although there are concerns about his ability to perform in a big, pressure-packed market.
What do you think the Braves should do this offseason?
Should they go after Gray and/or Nola???