Will there be a major change in the Atlanta Braves starting rotation this winter?
Atlanta fought for a playoff spot and earned one on the last day of the regular season but didn't spend long in the postseason. The Braves took on the San Diego Padres and were swept in the Wild Card round.
Now, the Braves can start to turn their focus to upgrading the roster as they hope to make a deeper run in 2025.
Atlanta will have tough choices to make once free agency kicks off, and Max Fried will be a free agent after eight years with the team. There is a real chance that he leaves this winter, and if that happens, Atlanta will need to add another starter.
Because of this, FanSided's Zach Pressnell called the Braves a possible fit for Los Angeles Dodgers ace Jack Flaherty.
"Jack Flaherty was available at the trade deadline this season, with the Braves being connected to him for weeks leading up to the actual deadline," Pressnell said. "Alex Anthopolous and the Braves ultimately didn't make too many moves, opting to trust in Fried, Chris Sale, and their young prospect pitchers to carry them into the postseason. They ended up making the postseason, but the quick exit wasn't exactly what management had in mind for the end of their season.
"It makes sense as to why the Braves didn't trade for Flaherty this season, but with Flaherty entering unrestricted free agency at the end of the Dodgers season, Atlanta will have their opportunity to land him if they can make the money match up."
If the Braves lose Fried, it could make some sense to turn to the Dodgers ace.
More MLB: Braves linked to projected $172 million star to replace Max Fried
