The Atlanta Braves are heading into the offseason with big decisions to make, particularly when filling their starting rotation. Two key contributors, Max Fried and Charlie Morton, may not be locked for 2025. Fried is drawing heavy interest from teams around the league.
Blake Snell’s signing with the Dodgers set the market for top-tier arms. Morton’s 2024 season showed signs of decline, leaving his return uncertain. This opens the door for Atlanta to explore external options, and one name repeatedly surfacing is Nathan Eovaldi.
Nathan Eovaldi Seems To Be A Perfect Fit For The Braves
Eovaldi declined a $20 million option with the Rangers and brings a mix of reliability and postseason success. He’s fresh off a strong 2024 season, where he posted a 3.80 ERA over 170.2 innings with a 3.83 FIP and a 23.9% strikeout rate—the highest he’s achieved since 2021. Known for his ability to limit walks (6.0% walk rate) and generate groundballs (48.9% groundball rate), he would slot seamlessly into a Braves rotation backed by one of the best infields in the league. These qualities line up well with Atlanta’s approach to pitching and defense.
What makes Eovaldi even more appealing is his playoff resume. He’s proven himself as a high-stakes performer with a career 2.85 ERA in 12 postseason starts. That includes championship runs with Boston in 2018 and Texas in 2023. For a team with its sights set on another World Series, his experience could be invaluable.
However, Eovaldi isn’t without risks. A history of two Tommy John surgeries and a 2019 elbow cleanup procedure raises durability concerns. Even so, he’s made 54 starts across the last two seasons, suggesting he’s still dependable. A short-term deal in the range of $20–25 million annually, with an option for a third year, would minimize long-term risk while providing immediate value.
Adding Eovaldi to the Braves rotation makes a lot of sense. His skill set, postseason pedigree, and competitive edge fit the team’s needs as they look to maintain their status as perennial contenders. With growing speculation and confirmed interest from insiders, this potential move feels more likely with each passing day.
