Braves show interest in former Cy Young finalist: report

The Atlanta Braves could potentially lose 2021 World Series hero Max Fried to their West Coast rival: the Los Angeles Dodgers. But it’s also possible this offseason that the Braves could sign one of Los Angeles’ own World Series champion starters.

MLB insider Jon Morosi reported Friday that the Braves are showing interest in two-time All-Star pitcher Walker Buehler.

“They have some interest in Walker Buehler, I’m told,” Morosi said during a segment on MLB Network. Now think about their pitching staff. Max Fried, free agent. Charlie Morton, free agent. Spencer Strider, who is still coming back from elbow surgery.

“So for all those reasons, Walker Buehler, who we just saw grinding in the postseason, the Braves are close to home for him. Obviously he has roots in Kentucky. He pitched at Vanderbilt. It’s a good fit for him.”

Buehler recently underwent his own Tommy John surgery (Strider is currently returning from the same procedure) and missed the entire 2023 season. In his first season back, Bühler went 1-6 with an ERA of 5.38.

But after a rough outing in the National League Division Series, Buehler pitched well in the NLCS and World Series. He recorded the final out for the Dodgers to win the 2024 title.

Before the injury, Bueheler finished in the top 10 of Cy Young voting in both 2019 and 2021. He was also an All-Star in both campaigns.

His best season came in 2021 when he posted a 16-4 record with a 2.47 ERA, 0.968 WHIP and 212 strikeouts in 207.2 innings. Buehler finished fourth for the NL Cy Young award that season.

There is some risk involved in signing Buehler as he is coming off the worst MLB season of his career. But he’s only 30 years old and his playoff experience will be useful to any organization hoping to compete for the World Series in 2025.

If Buehler can return to his pre-injury form during the regular season, he could be a strong replacement for Fried and/or Morton for the Braves.