Insider Leak: Braves Target $17M Ace in Game-Changing Free Agency Deal

The Atlanta Braves are entering a pivotal offseason, particularly when it comes to their starting pitching. Ace Spencer Strider is still recovering from last season’s Tommy John surgery, while left-hander Max Fried and veteran righty Charlie Morton are heading into free agency. The Braves are expected to aggressively pursue a new deal with Fried, though there’s been less clarity about their plans for Morton.

According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, Morton is likely to return to Atlanta in 2025, largely due to the potential departure of Fried. Feinsand explained, “Max Fried seems likely to move on from Atlanta, but the 41-year-old Morton doesn’t appear ready to retire, paving the way for a return to the Braves.”

With Spencer Schwellenbach, Reynaldo López, and Chris Sale at the top of the rotation, along with newly acquired Griffin Canning, Morton’s leadership could be invaluable. Strider’s absence at the start of the season adds to the urgency of solidifying the rotation.