Many MLB insiders suggested this year’s Winter Meetings would be quite different than previous years, featuring a ton of blockbuster trades and signings. They were correct; unfortunately, the Braves haven’t been involved at all.
Several of the top free agent starting pitchers have found new homes. Most notably, the Braves’ own Max Fried inked an eight-year, $218 million contract to join the Yankees. That was always going to be too rich for Alex Anthopoulos’ blood, but even mid-tier free agents, like Nathan Eovaldi, are no longer an option.
On top of that, the top starting pitcher on the trade block is now off the market, with the Boston Red Sox winning the Garrett Crochet sweepstakes, sending a package of four prospects to the Chicago White Sox.
The inflated market for starting pitchers doesn’t just exist in free agency. There are a lot of teams that are unwilling to hand out six or seven-year contracts to the top starters, which forces them to look for a trade, creating a bidding war for those candidates as well.
The Braves will have to one of two things this offseason when it comes to their rotation. They could finally take a significant risk, doling out a huge contract or a plethora of prospects for a proven commodity. Or they could essentially run it back with the same rotation, bringing back Charlie Morton and hoping Spencer Strider can replace Max Fried once he returns from the IL.
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Photo: Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire
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