The Atlanta Braves are no strangers to bold moves, and last winter’s trade for Chris Sale proved that Alex Anthopoulos is always a step ahead.
Sale brought experience and grit to the rotation, helping anchor a team that fell just shy of another World Series appearance.
The Braves might be poised to make another splash, this time targeting Max Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young winner and a fierce competitor in the postseason.
The idea of Scherzer in a Braves uniform gained traction when Ryan Finkelstein of Just Baseball predicted Atlanta could snag him on a one-year, $14 million deal.
“Why not bet on another aging ace?” Finkelstein asked, pointing out Scherzer’s familiarity with the NL East and his ability to deliver in critical moments, even after an injury-riddled 2024 season.
Despite limited appearances, Scherzer still managed a respectable 3.95 ERA and 40 strikeouts over 43 1/3 innings, showing he’s got something left in the tank.
The Leadership Max Scherzer Would Bring to the Braves is Invaluable
It’s not just about filling a roster spot though. It’s about elevating the Braves’ potential. After losing Max Fried to the Yankees and letting veteran Charlie Morton head to Baltimore, Atlanta’s rotation could use a proven leader.
While young arms like Bryce Elder, A.J. Smith-Shawver, and Hurston Waldrep are promising, adding Scherzer would bring the kind of veteran savvy and playoff pedigree that could be the difference in a championship run.
The Braves have shown they’re willing to take calculated risks, and a one-year deal for Scherzer seems like a low-risk, high-reward opportunity.
His leadership could stabilize the rotation and provide invaluable mentorship for younger pitchers. Imagine the buzz of having two Cy Young winners headlining Atlanta’s staff, talk about a rotation built for October.
If Anthopoulos can pull off another offseason heist, the Braves could once again position themselves as favorites in the NL East and beyond.
The clock is ticking, but one thing’s for sure: the Braves aren’t done making noise this winter.
