1. Unlikely to Happen, but Consider if Available
The first category contains four pitchers, each of whom a signing certainly feels unlikely for various different reasons, but should still be considered if available.
Max Scherzer
Arguably the top starter available this offseason, Scherzer will likely garner attention from numerous teams around the league, as well as potentially receive the highest AAV in a potential deal of any free agent.
A three-time Cy Young winner, the 37-year-old is coming off a phenomenal 2021 season that included a 2.46 ERA and a 34.1 K% split between the Nationals and Dodgers. Almost all contenders will have interest in the right-hander, but a return to the Dodgers on a multi-year deal certainly feels likely for Scherzer.
Kevin Gausman
A pitcher who made a combined 26 starts with the Braves back in 2018-19, Gausman enjoyed a phenomenal 2021 season posting a 2.81 ERA with the Giants setting the right-hander up as one of the top starters available.
Pitching on a qualifying offer this past season, Gausman is likely set for a multi-year deal in free agency with a potential return to San Francisco as the likeliest destination. A potential return to Atlanta could be a possibility for the 30-year-old, but Gausman’s price-range may be too-high for the Braves.
Robbie Ray
Ray could potentially receive a deal similar to Gausman previously, as well as already having received a qualifying offer from Toronto.
While there is always the possibility that the left-hander accepts the QO, Ray is likely set to receive a multi-year deal in free agency coming off a season which included an AL-leading 2.84 ERA. The 30-year-old southpaw could possibly land with many different teams including back with the Blue Jays, but a possible signing in Atlanta seems unlikely for similar reasons to Gausman.
Noah Syndergaard
Quite possibly the most-intriguing option from this group is Syndergaard, who holds a qualifying offer from the Mets.
Despite only pitching a total of two innings combined across the last two seasons, the 29-year-old is still one of the top starters available. While it seems likely that Syndergaard will accept the QO from New York, the Braves should 100% consider signing the right-hander should he decline.