The Atlanta Braves are determined to return in 2025 with a complete and healthy rotation designed for a deep playoff run. Unfortunately for them, the Braves’ injuries piled up this season, making a run for the franchise’s fifth World Series title nearly impossible. With starting pitcher Max Fried being a highly coveted free agent, Atlanta might have to turn to another marquee starter to complement ace Chris Sale in the front of the rotation next season.

Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed pitcher Jack Flaherty was given a contract prediction of three years, $60 million with an opt-out available after 2026 — the Braves being the team to sign him, according to Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly’s article outlining this winter’s top free agents and where they might sign. Flaherty has posted a 55-41 record with a 3.63 ERA, 942-to-292 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .224 batting average against and a 1.18 WHIP throughout his eight-season career, during which he played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Baltimore Orioles, Detroit Tigers and Dodgers.

If it weren’t for Flaherty’s troubling injury track record, his stock would likely be much higher than Kelly’s $60 million prediction. The recently turned 29-year-old posted an impressive 13-7 record with a 3.17 ERA, 194-to-38 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .223 batting average against and a 1.07 WHIP between his time playing for the Tigers and Dodgers this season. If Flaherty’s lingering back issues don’t persist next year, he could be a lethal addition to the Braves arsenal. Acquiring the 2024 World Series champion would be a solid replacement for Fried in the rotation if he isn’t re-signed this winter.