Atlanta Braves Target World Series Champion for 2025 Pitching Rotation…
With Max Fried and Charlie Morton entering free agency, the Atlanta Braves face critical gaps in their pitching rotation heading into 2025.
Max Fried’s Impressive 2024 Season
Fried, a two-time All-Star, is expected to land a lucrative deal this offseason. He posted an 11-10 record over 29 starts in 2024, recording a 3.25 ERA with 166 strikeouts and 57 walks in 174⅓ innings. Fried also led the league in complete games (2) and shutouts (1). ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel projects Fried will secure a six-year, $175 million contract.
Charlie Morton Nearing Retirement?
Morton, set to turn 41 next season, made 30 starts for Atlanta in 2024, finishing with an 8-10 record, a 4.19 ERA, and 167 strikeouts in 165⅓ innings. His future remains uncertain as age becomes a factor.
Braves Eye Walker Buehler
If neither Fried nor Morton returns, the Braves may pivot to acquiring Walker Buehler. MLB Network insider Jon Morosi reports that the Braves are closely monitoring the two-time World Series champion.
“Max Fried is a free agent. Charlie Morton is a free agent. Spencer Strider is still recovering from elbow surgery. Given these factors, Walker Buehler could be a great fit,” said Morosi.
Buehler’s Mixed 2024 Season
After missing all of 2023 due to Tommy John surgery, Buehler endured a challenging 2024 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He made a late-season return, going 1-6 with a 5.38 ERA in 16 starts. His season was further disrupted by hip inflammation, though he regained his form in the postseason.
In the NLCS and World Series, Buehler pitched ten scoreless innings, striking out 13 and walking just four. He even closed out Game 5 of the World Series, helping the Dodgers secure the championship.
A Potential Bounce-Back Deal
Given his injury history, Buehler is likely to sign an incentive-heavy, one-year contract in free agency. Despite recent struggles, his playoff dominance, All-Star pedigree, and two Cy Young top-ten finishes make him a valuable target for Atlanta as they retool their rotation.
