The Atlanta Braves face a critical offseason, having made minimal moves to address their starting rotation after losing key players like Max Fried, Travis d’Arnaud, and Charlie Morton. Once a major strength, Atlanta’s rotation now consists of Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, Spencer Schwellenbach, and several uncertainties.
While Ian Anderson is expected to return from Tommy John surgery, and Spencer Strider could rejoin the rotation later in the season, the Braves cannot solely rely on two former free-agent signings coming off career years or an untested rookie in Schwellenbach. The need for additional pitching depth is clear.
One intriguing option for Atlanta is Jack Flaherty, a former high school teammate of Fried. After starting his MLB career with the St. Louis Cardinals, Flaherty split the previous season between the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers. Jim Bowden of The Athletic recently linked Flaherty to the Braves as a potential signing.
Although Flaherty brings experience and familiarity with Fried, questions about his medical history may give teams pause. However, Atlanta’s general manager, Alex Anthopoulos, has a track record of navigating the pitching market shrewdly, prioritizing team-friendly contracts that maintain the team’s competitive edge. This approach has helped the Braves sustain success despite last season’s injuries.
If the Braves’ offense thrives under new hitting coach Tim Hyers, Flaherty could serve as a valuable addition to a rotation that aims to reclaim dominance in the NL East. As a seasoned veteran with big-game experience, he aligns with what Atlanta typically seeks in free-agent signings. While Flaherty alone won’t solve all of the Braves’ pitching concerns, he represents a practical and promising fit for their needs.
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