We are just over a month away from pitchers and catchers reporting for Spring Training, yet a ton of talented free agents remain available. Each day that passes is a gamble for the remaining players without a job as we head into February. Lying in way (hopefully) is the Atlanta Braves led by Alex Anthopoulos.
The Braves have been stagnant for the majority of the offseason. Perhaps Braves fans can find solace in Jim Bowden's latest article on the Athletic where he predicted one of the best remaining free agents to land in Atlanta.
Jim Bowden predicts Jack Flaherty to sign with the Braves
Despite my recent thoughts on why the Braves should avoid Jack Flaherty, Bowden thinks the Braves could be a potential suitor for the right-handed pitcher. Last season, Flaherty rediscovered what once made him a top pitcher in baseball pitching to a 3.17 ERA and 3.47 FIP.
It's why multiple projections have Flaherty landing a career deal reaching nine figures in some cases. It's unlikely the Braves will be in the market if the years and dollars get too steep. However, the longer Flaherty sits on the market, the more likely he comes down to Atlanta's comfort zone.
Earlier this offseason, @RowanKavner ranked the top 30 free agents available this winter.
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) January 2, 2025
Where will the top 5 remaining free agents from that list sign? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/37ewgAgI9N
Something similar to what Walker Buehler got from Boston would have Atlanta in the race to land Flaherty, but it's likely he pitched himself into a longer-term deal with his strong numbers in 2024. Braves fans everywhere are anxious for any type of move, and a prediction/rumbling like this one can excite fans a good bit after such a quiet week of news. However, these rumors/projections are never Alex Anthopoulos' style.
The Braves President of Baseball Operations often works very close to the vest, and any interest the Braves have in a player often is made public AFTER said player has landed a deal with or without Atlanta. It's beginning to feel more and more like Anthopoulos will take a big swing at replenishing the bullpen or strengthening up left field. No matter if it's Flaherty, Tanner Scott, or someone we have yet to mention (the latter being much more likely knowing Anthopoulos), Braves fans desperately want a transaction of any impact at this point.