The Braves have been in the market for a starting pitcher, regardless of nothing coming to fruition.
Atlanta has been linked to Dylan Cease, who seems bound to be traded by the White Sox after the dominos start to fall in the free agent market. Corbin Burnes is another option, but he is in the final year of arbitration.
A trade seems more likely at this point in the offseason because the Braves don’t seem keen on bidding on the top free agents. Alex Anthopoulos never pays sticker price.
However, it’s not a money problem because the Braves were in on Aaron Nola, and Anthopoulos confirmed as much in a recent interview with Jeff Schultz of The Athletic.
Some starting pitchers have changed teams this offseason. Dylan Cease hasn’t been traded, yet. How hard have you pursued a starter and what’s the consideration in trading a core player to land one in trade?
We pursued Aaron Nola (who re-signed with the Phillies). Beyond that, we’ve engaged clubs and inquired on trades.
The Phillies competed with a slew of other clubs for Nola’s services, including their NL East rivals in Atlanta. It was reported that the Braves “were a real threat” to sign the veteran starter.
Moreover, there was a reported offer. According to Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Braves offered Aaron Nola a six-year, $162 million deal.
“The Braves, off back-to-back 100-win seasons and divisional-round ousters by the Phillies, made a six-year, $162 million offer to Nola out of the chute, a source said Sunday. It was a sensible starting point. Atlanta’s bid equaled the Yankees’ deal with free-agent lefty Carlos Rodón last winter.”
Take that for what you will, but regardless of the actual specific numbers thrown around, Anthopoulos didn’t pursue Aaron Nola without a bag of cash ready to hand him. Money isn’t an issue for the Braves as long it’s for the right guy — i.e., durable with postseason success.
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