The Atlanta Braves have some things to answer after losing in the National League Wild Card Series.
Max Fried, a left-handed pitcher, is a free agent, leaving a hole in the Braves rotation.
If Atlanta want to remain a postseason team in 2025, they will need to fill this deficit. If Fried quits, the team will have to look to the free agent market to fill the void.
Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter projected each team’s starting rotation for 2025, with the Braves including two-time All-Star Nathan Eovaldi.
“The Braves will need to make at least one outside addition to account for losing both Max Fried and Charlie Morton in free agency, and Nathan Eovaldi would be a great workhorse veteran to help shoulder the load alongside Chris Sale at the top of the rotation,” said Reuter.
Eovaldi made 29 starts for the Texas Rangers in 2024, finishing 12-8 with a 3.80 ERA. He also pitched 170 2/3 innings for Texas, striking out 166 batters and recording a 2.3 WAR.
The 34-year-old right-hander would be an excellent addition to the rotation, and he could even replace Fried if he walks. He will not come cheap, but if he can stay healthy, the Braves will find the investment worthwhile.
Atlanta would receive an innings eater with a high strikeout rate. It will be intriguing to see whether Atlanta offers Eovaldi a deal.
