Adding to the Braves rotation isn't likely to be high on the priority list for the front office. The offensive hole shortstop has become along with key outfield injuries demand Atlanta's focus. Adding to an already strong rotation isn't likely to happen with other high-priority existing needs.
Atlanta leads the league in ERA and has an impressive rotation of Max Fried, Charlie Morton, Chris Sale, Reynaldo Lopez, and Spencer Schwellenbach. A rotation that matches up with any team in the league. With that said, there is one particular fit the Braves should at least explore.
Nathan Eovaldi offers impressive postseason production
Part of the key to the bounce-back year from Chris Sale and production from Lopez has been managing their innings. Utilizing a 6th starter at times and making sure that Lopez and Sale always start on full or extra rest.
It has been a great strategy with the results speaking for themselves. The duo aren't the only ones in the rotation who could benefit from extra rest as we go deeper into the summer. Max Fried is likely in his last season with Atlanta. Saving as many meaningful pitches for the postseason as possible is important.
Charlie Morton continues to defy Father Time but could benefit from fewer innings down the stretch of the season. Nathan Eovaldi makes the rotation far deeper and adds an experienced postseason arm.
Sale and Fried are being counted on to anchor the postseason rotation. However, as impressive as Lopez has been there are fair question marks about what he will be at this point in the season. Just as there are very different age questions facing Morton and Schwellenbach.
The Texas Rangers starter is an accomplished postseason performer and goes a long way in easing these concerns. Eovaldi has been pointed to as one of the league's top arms likely to be on the move.
Nathan Eovaldi, Expelliarmus Curveball. 🪄 pic.twitter.com/ifTDLQpSYX
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 7, 2024
It would be a potentially brilliant move making a position of strength even stronger. It helps keep Sale, Lopez, and Fried fresh and at the top of their game deep into the season. The contract would be a fit for Atlanta with only $20 million left on the deal for the thirty-four-year-old veteran. It gives you a veteran to count on for at least one more season with both the future of Morton and Fried in question.
Not only does it heighten the postseason ceiling of your staff but it offers future stability as well. If Fried and Morton both were to leave you still have a trio of Sale, Lopez, and Eovaldi anchoring your rotation until Spencer Strider was able to return.
The fit is too enticing not to consider despite the obvious unlikelihood of the move. Atlanta adding to their outfield and landing Eovaldi would be the definition of going all in. An extremely unlikely move that remains a great fit.