The Atlanta Braves’ starting rotation may look a little different in 2025.
Atlanta will have to make a tough decision with talented pitcher Max Fried. He will be a free agent this winter and is expected to receive a large contract. If Atlanta chooses a less expensive option, one of the greatest players available could be two-time All-Star Nathan Eovaldi.
He will have the opportunity to opt out of his contract this winter, and he most likely will. Eovaldi is now 34 years old and is expected to be paid more in free agency than in his current contract. Spotrac predicts he will receive a two-year deal worth approximately $52 million.
Eovaldi would be an ideal target for Atlanta. He is a big-game pitcher with a history of postseason success. Since 2018, he has helped lead the Boston Red Sox and the Texas Rangers to World Series victories.
Atlanta hopes to return to being a contender in 2025. The Braves had a bad year in 2024 due in large part to injuries, but they should be healthy again in 2025. If Fried leaves, bringing in someone like Eovaldi might help them reach new heights.
Despite eight excellent seasons, it appears that he may be too expensive for Atlanta to retain. Eovaldi will be substantially less expensive in free agency while not losing much talent. Why not give him a shot if they lose Fried?
