The Atlanta Braves could be in for a significant shakeup this offseason as All-Star pitcher Max Fried may be on his way out. With Fried potentially heading to a National League rival like the Dodgers or Mets, Atlanta would take a significant hit to its pitching strength. Yet, an interesting option could offer the Braves a solution: bringing in seasoned ace Max Scherzer.
Though nearing 41, Scherzer still brings the kind of competitive spirit and talent that makes a difference. CBS Sports’ R.J. Anderson recently pointed to Atlanta as a possible destination for Scherzer, mentioning the veteran’s injury troubles and his drive to compete.
Though he’s no longer in his prime, Scherzer’s resume speaks volumes, and when he was healthy in 2023, he demonstrated why he remains a sought-after pitcher. Short-term contract or not, the possibility of adding someone with his postseason pedigree could be the key to keeping Atlanta’s rotation strong in 2024.
Harrison Smajovits from SI.com also speculated about Scherzer, proposing him as one of four potential one-year signings for Atlanta. While Scherzer might not pitch as many innings as he once did, he remains a three-time Cy Young winner and a consistent top-five Cy Young contender over the past decade. His record includes four seasons leading the league in wins and three in strikeouts.
Having Scherzer in Atlanta’s rotation would add experience to an already talented roster aiming for a championship next season. The Braves’ dynamic lineup and elite bullpen, paired with Scherzer’s postseason experience, could provide the final touch to a roster built for another title run. Across his career, Scherzer has proven his October reliability, posting a 3.78 ERA, 1.154 WHIP, and 171 strikeouts over 143 postseason innings, including memorable runs with the Nationals in 2019 and the Rangers in 2023.
If the Braves want to balance costs and keep their rotation competitive, Scherzer could be a smart, short-term solution. This move wouldn’t mean a rebuild but rather a way to keep their roster strong while planning for the future.
