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Braves predicted to sign $75M ex-Yankees three-time All-Star, wins leader to pair with Chris Sale
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- Braves predicted to sign $75M ex-Yankees three-time All-Star, wins leader to pair with Chris Sale
Braves predicted to sign $75M ex-Yankees three-time All-Star, wins leader to pair with Chris Sale originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Atlanta Braves have dealt with the same problem for several years when it comes to things going wrong during a season. Atlanta entered 2026 with a solid pitching staff, but injuries once again derailed the rotation.
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Heading into the trade deadline, the Braves didn't have a reliable second arm behind Chris Sale. It was an issue that was apparent to everyone.
"There are well-documented reasons why the Braves were in the market for a frontline starter at the Trade Deadline. Though they added a depth piece in Tyler Mahle, they didn't land the type of clear difference-maker that many fans wanted. As the team heads down the stretch, there's now even more scrutiny on a few things: the lack of a potent 1-2 punch for the postseason, their bullpen's durability and the rotation's overall dependability," MLB.com's Jason Foster wrote.
Now, heading into 2027, Atlanta faces similar questions about the stability of its pitching rotation.
"While it wasn't their downfall in the end, the starting rotation has been a constant thorn in the Atlanta Braves' side for multiple seasons now. For 2026, it was no different. As the page turns to 2027, it's to see how it shakes up. There will be at least one guarantee. Chris Sale is the ace. You probably guarantee that Bryce Elder is in the mix, too, along with Grant Holmes. After that, we'll see what happens," SI's Harrison Smajovitts wrote.
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With the Braves needing another frontline arm, Sports Illustrated's Will Laws believes they will pursue Sonny Gray.
"Not many pitchers of Gray's age can command a multi-year deal, but he might just do it after recording a 2.72 ERA for the Red Sox and leading MLB in wins (18). Gray is dependable as they come, being one of just six pitchers to hurl at least 160 innings in each of the last four seasons. The wily veteran has shown a propensity for pitching in a variety of different environments, and though his strikeout numbers shrank last season, he hasn't logged a below-average FIP since 2016. The question is when Father Time will catch up with him," Laws wrote.
Gray was dominant in 2026, leading all of MLB with 18 wins. The right-hander has pitched for several teams throughout his career, including the New York Yankees .
Gray recently completed his $75 million contract with the Boston Red Sox. The Braves have seemingly been linked to him around previous trade deadlines, and now they could have an opportunity to bring the successful right-hander to Atlanta in free agency.
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