The Atlanta Braves had a disappointing season after failing to meet their World Series expectations. With key players slated to walk in free agency, they could look to sign cheap replacements.

Last offseason the Braves struck gold with Chris Sale and Reynaldo López. With Alex Anthopoulos expected to cut costs, the Braves could lose Max Fried. FanSided’s Jacob Mountz urged the team to sign Cleveland Guardians pitcher Shane Bieber to replace him.

“That brings us to a Cy Young award winner that could provide an ace-type performance on a budget. Shane Bieber won a triple crown 2020. Since then, injuries have effectively hampered him. The only full season Bieber pitched after 2020 was in 2022,” wrote Mountz. “That season, he pitched to 2.88 ERA through 200 innings, not quite the 1.63 he won the Cy Young with, but still extremely good.”

Bieber could end up being a diamond in the rough for the Braves. However, his injury history may be a concern. He pitched in just 21 games in 2023 before injuries got in the way. This season he threw 12 shutout innings across two starts and then had to have elbow surgery.

“Given his injury history and lack of a track record, Bieber won’t be signed to the monster deal many considered him worth in 2020. And if there’s one thing we know, it’s that the Braves love taking broken pitchers and making them aces,” wrote Mountz. “After seeing his two starts this season, it is clear the talent is still there. Taking a chance on Bieber might be a worthwhile bet for the Braves.”

Bieber could be a low-risk signing for the Braves depending on his market. He could end up signing a one-year, “prove it” style deal.