The Atlanta Braves won 89 games in the regular season, securing the second National League Wild Card spot.
However, after being swept by the San Diego Padres in the first round, they now have some questions to answer. They have several starters who have entered free agency, but they also have cash to spend.
Walker Buehler’s stock has risen since he closed out the World Series. Jon Morosi of MLB Network said that the Braves are interested in him.
“I’ve been told that the Braves are also interested in Walker Buehler. Consider their pitching staff right now. Max Fried, a free agent. Charlie Morton, a free agent. Spencer Strider is currently recovering from elbow surgery, Morosi said.
“The Braves are near to his home. Of course, he has Kentucky roots and pitched at Vanderbilt. That’s a good fit for him.
Buehler struggled in his return from Tommy John surgery, landing on the injured list with a hip ailment. He finished 1-6 with a 5.38 ERA in just 16 starts.
However, he stepped up his game in the postseason. Following a six-run outing in Game 3 of the NLDS, he made scoreless starts in the NLCS and World Series, eventually closing out the clinching Game 5 for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
He shouldn’t be too pricey after a rough regular season, but his postseason turnaround provides some hope for the future, which may entice the Braves to sign him.
He will almost definitely be less expensive than Fried, therefore Atlanta should take this into consideration.
