The Atlanta Braves lost Max Fried this offseason and could be parting ways with Charlie Morton as well. They could make a move for the best available arm this winter.
Corbin Burnes is still available and could sign for nearly $200 million. Spotrac projects him to sign a six-year, $183 million deal. CBS Sports Mike Axisa noted that the Braves should sign Burnes as they “need him more than any other contender.”
“Spencer Strider is on his way back from UCL surgery, so that’s a plus, but the Braves have regression risk in their rotation and they play in a tough division in a tough league,” wrote Axisa. “I think Atlanta needs Burnes, both his innings and effectiveness, more than the Orioles need him in a watered down American League. Do I expect the Braves to sign Burnes? No, I do not, but I think they need him more than any other contender.”
The odds of the Braves actually signing Burnes are low. However, they need to replace Fried in their rotation. A duo of Chris Sale and Burnes could be the best one-two punch in baseball. Burnes is a four-time All-Star and a National League Cy Young Award winner. He had a 2.92 ERA and 181 strikeouts last season.
Burnes would be more than great for the Braves while they wait for Spencer Strider to get healthy. At full strength, Sale Strider and Burnes would be a nightmare for opposing teams in the postseason.
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