Atlanta Braves sniffing around Nathan Eovaldi

The Atlanta Braves are positioning themselves to make waves in the free-agent market, with veteran right-hander Nathan Eovaldi emerging as a key target. Eovaldi, known for his postseason reliability and two All-Star nods, has attracted interest from several teams, including the Braves and Orioles. After declining a $20 million option to remain with the Texas Rangers, Eovaldi is now exploring multiyear deals that could represent the last major contract of his career.

The Braves’ interest in Eovaldi reflects a strategic move to bolster their rotation as uncertainty looms over their pitching staff. Max Fried, a linchpin of Atlanta’s success, is a free agent and drawing widespread attention across the league. With the Braves already set to miss Spencer Strider for the start of the 2025 season due to injury recovery, adding a seasoned pitcher like Eovaldi could help stabilize their rotation. His experience, including a 3.80 ERA and 166 strikeouts over 170.2 innings in 2024, makes him a compelling option for a playoff-ready team.

Eovaldi’s postseason prowess is another major draw. His 9-1 playoff record and a 2.85 ERA over 12 starts underline his value when the stakes are highest. He played a pivotal role in helping the Texas Rangers capture their first-ever World Series title in 2023, going 5-0 in the postseason. Similarly, he was instrumental in the Boston Red Sox’s 2018 championship run, where he displayed his grit and durability in high-pressure situations.

For the Braves, Eovaldi represents a cost-effective alternative to pursuing long-term, high-value contracts like the one Fried is expected to coMMAnd. Analysts suggest Eovaldi might secure a shorter deal, likely spanning two to three years, making him a more flexible and potentially impactful signing. Pairing him with existing rotation pieces like Chris Sale and Reynaldo López could give Atlanta one of the league’s most formidable pitching units.

While Texas is reportedly eager to retain Eovaldi, the market for quality starters is comPetitive. Teams like the Boston Red Sox are also in the mix, adding urgency for the Braves to act decisively. For now, Atlanta’s focus on Eovaldi signals their intent to remain among baseball’s elite contenders in the upcoming seasons​.

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