The Bowden Plan: How to Fix the Braves’ Rotation: MLB’s Insider Expert Analysis Reveals Shocking Solution

The Braves need to add to their rotation in some capacity this offseason, but Alex Anthopoulos has shown no interest in the type of deals that are being slung around early in free agency. Most of the top guys are already off the market, but there are still plenty of options that could help give the Braves more veteran depth to round out their rotation.

According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, he’d love to see Anthopoulos target Jack Flaherty in response to the Yankees signing Max Fried.

 Braves — Sign RHP Jack FlahertyT

he Braves lost Fried to the Yankees in free agency and there is no guarantee Charlie Morton will return to Atlanta either. Flaherty would be a nice addition to their rotation if his medical reports check out. (The Yankees backed out of a preliminary trade agreement with the Tigers for Flaherty at the trade deadline after reviewing the righty’s medicals.) Flaherty was considered by many as the Dodgers’ best starting pitcher when the postseason began. He went 13-7 last season with the Tigers and Dodgers, posting a 3.17 ERA and 1.068 WHIP over 28 starts, with 194 strikeouts in 162 innings. I’m not sure what the contract terms should look like because the length will depend on the medical reports and exams, but Flaherty would be a nice pivot for the Braves.

After years of injuries and inconsistencies, Jack Flaherty was finally able to stay healthy this year, posting a 3.17 ERA and 10.8 K/9 over 28 starts between the Tigers and Yankees. He’s still just 29 years old, and the upside is undeniable, but it’s also impossible to ignore the injury history.

Flaherty will likely be looking for a 3-4 year contract, and this year is the first season he’s accrued more than 1.0 WAR since 2019. That’s the definition of a gamble, but in this market, Alex Anthopoulos is going to have to take one if he wants to add to his rotation. He was willing to do it last offseason with Chris Sale, so perhaps he will take a similar route with Flaherty, who was once regarded as one of the best young arms in the game before injuries derailed his career.