The Atlanta Braves’ 2024 season didn’t just fizzle out, it was a battle just to make the wild card. Injuries piled up, players underperformed, and despite scraping into the playoffs, the Braves were promptly swept out of the Wild Card Series by the San Diego Padres. It was a humbling end for a team loaded with talent and big expectations.
But baseball never sleeps, and Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos is already working to turn things around for 2025. With the free agent market buzzing—especially around superstar Juan Soto—the Braves have quietly found themselves in intriguing conversations about fortifying their starting rotation. After the Dodgers shelled out $182 million over five years for Blake Snell, Atlanta seems poised to make its own splash, with Walker Buehler looking like a particularly juicy target.
Walker Buehler to Atlanta Braves? It’s Looking More Likely
The Braves’ rotation heading into 2025 already has a solid backbone. Veteran Chris Sale turned back the clock with a Cy Young-winning campaign, Reynaldo López delivered strong outings when healthy, and rookie Spencer Schwellenbach made it clear he’s ready to stick in the majors. But Max Fried’s impending free agency creates a huge question mark. With the kind of money Blake Snell just got, it’s all but certain Fried’s asking price will be out of Atlanta’s comfort zone.
Enter Walker Buehler. The Dodgers’ decision to lock up Snell could signal Buehler’s availability on the open market, a theory that MLB insider Ken Rosenthal supports. Buehler’s career stats—47-22 with a 3.27 ERA—are impressive, though his recent struggles have dented his value slightly. This could be the perfect storm for the Braves: a proven arm with postseason pedigree at a more manageable cost.
If Anthopoulos lands Buehler, Atlanta’s rotation could be terrifying. Picture this: Chris Sale anchoring the staff, Spencer Strider returning to full strength, Buehler bringing his postseason experience, López adding depth, and Schwellenbach continuing his upward trajectory. That’s a group that could rival the best in baseball—and potentially catapult Atlanta back into World Series contention.
As the offseason heats up, keep an eye on Buehler. The Braves have needs, Anthopoulos loves to surprise, and Buehler might just be the missing piece to put Atlanta back on top.
