MLB journalist and podcaster Ryan Finkelstein predicted that the Atlanta Braves would make a big splash in the starting pitcher free agent market.
The Atlanta Braves have been unusually silent this summer. However, Just Baseball’s Ryan Finkelstein does not expect this to continue over the winter.
Finkelstein, who produces the New York Mets Locked On Podcast, predicts that former Mets starter Max Scherzer will join Atlanta.
“Remember when we all thought Chris Sale’s career was over, and then he got traded to the Atlanta Braves and won a Cy Young?” Finkelstein wrote.
“If the Braves can pull that rabbit out of their hat, why not try again with another elderly ace coming off an injury-plagued season? Max Scherzer is quite experienced with pitching in the NL East and was relatively effective in a tiny sample in 2024.”
Scherzer has spent more than half of his career facing the Braves in the National League East. He threw seven seasons for the Washington Nationals before spending part of two seasons with the Mets.
Scherzer has garnered eight All-Star nominations and three Cy Young awards over his 17-year career. He has also earned $314.5 million.
Signing Scherzer, who turns 41 in July, carries risk. He tossed only 43.1 innings last summer and had a 3.95 ERA.
After allowing Max Fried and Charlie Morton to walk in free agency, the Braves require consistent arms. Last season, Fried and Morton both pitched more than 160 frames.
However, Scherzer has a high ceiling, especially if he joins an organization recognized for maximizing pitching potential, such as the Braves.
Scherzer has a career ERA of 3.16 and a 216-112 record. In his last healthy season, 2023, he went 13-6 with a 3.77 ERA, 1.120 WHIP, and 174 strikeouts in 152.2 innings.
He also has plenty of postseason experience. He was a member of the Nationals and Rangers World Series championship teams in 2019 and 2023, respectively.
Finkelstein predicted the Braves would sign Scherzer to a one-year, $16 million contract. The Braves could have brought Morton back on a comparable deal, but they elected not to.
So it’s worth considering whether the Braves are interested in any veteran pitcher with that deal value this offseason.
However, starting pitching depth does not come easily, and while adding Scherzer carries some risk, it is mitigated by a one-year contract.
