Braves urged to bring back $2 million All-Star after 1 season with White Sox

The Atlanta Braves did not meet expectations in 2024. they made the postseason by winning Game 162 and were swept by the San Diego Padres in the National League Wild Card. They could look to bring in some familiar faces for cheap during free agency.

FanSided's Mitchell Barbee urged the Braves to sign Michael Soroka who spent 2024 playing for the Chicago White Sox. He played for the Braves from 2018 to 2023.

"On the surface, wanting Soroka back in a Braves uniform seems like pure prospect nostalgia," wrote Barbee. "However, as we covered here recently, there is solid reasoning for wanting a pitcher with a 4.74 ERA in 79.2 innings last season."

Soroka began his big league career with the Braves. He had a 2.86 ERA in his first 36 starts. He missed all of 2021 and 2022 with injuries. When he pitched for the Braves in 2023 he was not the same. He had a 6.40 ERA in six starts. In 2024 he pitched for the White Sox as both a starter and a reliever. He made nine starts.

Spotrac projects him to earn a one-year, $2 million deal in free agency. Before his injuries, he was an All-Star in 2019. He is not at the same level right now, but still can add value to the Braves bullpen.

"Simply put, adding a reliever with a 39% strikeout rate could be the final touch on what could be a lethal and dependable Braves bullpen," wrote Barbee.

More MLB: Braves urged to upgrade outfield by signing $2.5 million World Series champion