The MLB Hot Stove is scorching, but the Braves have yet to make a single move in free agency, while several potential targets come off the board.
First, it was Max Fried, who signed the most lucrative contract ever for a left-handed starting pitcher, inking an eight-year, $218 million contract with the New York Yankees. The Braves were never going to compete with that offer; however, there were many who believed they might be able to afford Nathan Eovaldi. He is the one pitcher who’s been connected to the Braves the most since free agency began, but the 35-year-old right-hander is staying in Texas, re-signing with the Rangers for $75 million over three years.
Right-hander Nathan Eovaldi and the Texas Rangers are in agreement on a three-year, $75 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Eovaldi, who was considered at the top of the mid-tier free agents, returns to Texas. First on the agreement was @ByRobertMurray.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 11, 2024
In most markets, that might be viewed as an overpay. Eovaldi is in his late 30s and will be making $25 million per season. However, in this market, that feels pretty much like market value.
Eovaldi posted a 3.80 ERA this year over 29 starts. He’s proven to be relatively durable, and his track record in the postseason is incredibly impressive, owning a 3.05 ERA over 79.2 innings.
There’s a lot of risk in handing a 35-year-old pitcher a three-year contract, but that’s something the Braves will have to get comfortable doing if they want to make a significant addition to their rotation this offseason. With each passing day, it’s looking more like they might rather just bring back Charlie Morton, see what they can get out of guys like AJ Smith-Shawver and Grant Holmes, and hope the rest of the starting arms stay healthy.
—
Photo: David John Griffin/Icon Sportswire
You must log in to post a comment.