JUST IN: Alex Anthopoulos Risks It All as the Braves Watch the Pitching Market Slip Through Their Grasp.

The Atlanta Braves are having a rough night.

Max Fried has officially signed an eight-year, $218 million deal with the New York Yankees, a staggering sum that was always beyond the Braves’ reach. However, losing Fried still leaves a significant gap in a rotation that has been known for its inconsistency.

While the Braves do have talent, with Spencer Strider and Chris Sale both being Cy Young candidates, neither is guaranteed to stay healthy throughout the 2025 season. Reynaldo Lopez was excellent in his return to a starting role, but a 1.99 ERA again is highly unlikely. Spencer Schwellenbach has potential, but the rotation is on shaky ground.

To avoid disaster, Atlanta must add more depth to its rotation, whether by trade or free agency. There are several viable options available, but it requires urgency from Alex Anthopoulos, who is under pressure to deliver after a disappointing 2024 season.

One of the most talked-about free-agent targets has been Nathan Eovaldi, a two-time World Series champion with a lethal pitch arsenal. He could have been a solid replacement for Fried on a reasonable short-term deal. Unfortunately, Eovaldi has decided to stay with the Texas Rangers, as confirmed by FanSided’s Robert Murray. That option is now off the table for Atlanta.

This leaves the Braves in a tricky spot. There are other alternatives, but it’s clear the Braves won’t go all-in on a long-term deal like the one Corbin Burnes might demand. Atlanta wasn’t willing to pay up to retain Fried, so it’s unlikely they’d offer a massive deal for someone else. With many of the more affordable options like Eovaldi, Luis Severino, and Clay Holmes now taken, the Braves need to make their move soon.

Time is running out. Atlanta is still a strong contender, but if they end up re-signing Charlie Morton and trotting out the same rotation next season, it would be a major letdown. Last season reminded everyone how short World Series windows can be. The Braves have the talent, but these opportunities don’t come around often, and Anthopoulos needs to act accordingly.

While options like Garrett Crochet or a trade for Roki Sasaki might look appealing, there’s been little serious talk linking the Braves to either. Anthopoulos has not been known for aggressive moves in free agency, which raises doubts about the team’s plans. The Braves need to improve, not stand still. Bryce Elder, AJ Smith-Shawver, and Hurston Waldrep are not yet ready for major league pitching. Without a reliable Fried replacement, Atlanta could be one injury away from a disastrous season.

This is a great move for the Rangers, locking up Eovaldi for another three years. While it might be partly due to Eovaldi’s comfort with the Rangers after winning the World Series with them, one has to wonder if the Braves could’ve outbid the Rangers with a more aggressive offer. But that opportunity has passed.