Atlanta’s Pitch: Braves Take Lead in Signing Nathan Eovaldi, Rangers Follow
The Braves are going to have to bolster the rotation. Not only could Charlie Morton and Max Fried part ways with the organization, but they’re also not expecting Spencer Strider to be ready by Opening Day.
It’s going to be a focus of Alex Anthopoulos’ offseason, and one name already linked to the Braves is Nathan Eovaldi. Mark Bowman first reported the interest, and now, MLB insider Jon Morosi echoes similar sentiments but adds that he believes Atlanta has a better chance than the Texas Rangers have at signing the two-time World Series champion.
“Nathan Eovaldi ranks near the top of the Braves’ wish list, according to an industry source,” Bowman wrote.
It makes sense why he’d be at the top of Braves wish list. The 34-year-old is coming off a campaign in which he posted a 3.80 ERA, 1.107 WHIP, and 8.8 K/9 over 29 starts for the Rangers.
He was also an All-Star the season before and has been an absolute horse for whoever he’s pitching for. Moreover, he’s got extension playoff experience, boasting a 3.05 ERA over 79.2 postseason innings.
He’s helped two different clubs to World Series trophies, the Rangers in 2023 and the Red Sox in 2018, when he was teammates with current Braves ace Chris Sale. Reuniting the two to pair with Spencer Schwellenbach, Spencer Strider, and Reynaldo Lopez would certainly give Atlanta arguably the most formidable rotation in baseball.
Eovaldi also won’t command a long-term deal like Max Fried will, which seems to be Alex Anthopoulos’ preference. Meanwhile, the Rangers are expected to try and cut payroll, leaving the door open for the Braves to swoop in.
