As MLB’s offseason kicks off, the Atlanta Braves have set their sights on upgrading their pitching rotation, with right-hander Nathan Eovaldi near the top of their list, according to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman. The 35-year-old Eovaldi recently declined a $20 million player option with the Texas Rangers, opting to test the free agent market instead. MLB Trade Rumors projects Eovaldi could land a two-year, $44 million deal, making him an appealing yet budget-friendly choice for Atlanta as they aim to shore up their rotation.
Eovaldi has established himself as a resilient, high-performance arm, particularly since returning from his second Tommy John surgery. Over the past five seasons, he’s maintained a solid 3.75 ERA, consistently posting strong strikeout rates and keeping walks low. For a Braves team now missing both Max Fried and Charlie Morton, Eovaldi’s experience and durability could provide much-needed stability.
The Braves’ current rotation options are limited, leaving plenty of room for reinforcements. Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, and Spencer Schwellenbach are expected to anchor the rotation, though Spencer Strider will likely miss part of the season following surgery. Other rostered pitchers, including Ian Anderson, Griffin Canning, and AJ Smith-Shawver, are unproven or inconsistent, making Eovaldi’s potential addition a priority. The rotation’s current uncertainty makes Atlanta’s pursuit of a reliable veteran like Eovaldi all the more sensible.
Financially, however, the Braves will need to carefully consider their moves. While GM Alex Anthopoulos has indicated the payroll will increase, budget constraints remain, as Atlanta’s payroll for 2025 is projected at $215 million—just $20 million below 2024’s total spending. They recently restructured contracts to push certain expenses into 2026, and they declined Travis d’Arnaud’s club option for 2025, signaling a conservative approach.
Given Atlanta’s historical caution with free-agent spending, Eovaldi aligns well with their preferred approach. Unlike nine-figure contracts that pitchers like Blake Snell or Corbin Burnes may command, Eovaldi’s injury history and age likely keep his cost down. He fits a specific tier Atlanta seems willing to pursue, alongside other free agents such as Yusei Kikuchi, Sean Manaea, and Luis Severino.
Eovaldi’s proven consistency makes him an ideal addition to bolster the Braves’ pitching depth while leaving room to address other areas of need. If they secure him, the Braves will solidify their rotation as they chase another deep playoff run in 2025.
