Braves urged to go after Phillies starter in free agency

The Atlanta Braves' season has been a disappointment after high expectations in the offseason. The postseason is a long shot for the Braves and they could be thinking about free agency.

The Braves should have Chris Sale back next season. They are reportedly expected to pick up his $18 million team option. They could look to get him and Spencer Strider more help in the starting rotation. FanSided's Christopher Kline suggested the Braves go after Ranger Suárez of the Philadelphia Phillies in the offseason.

Suárez is going to be one of the hottest names in free agency. He may want to return to the Phillies, but between Andrew Painter and Mick Abewl being ready to take on a rotation spot, the Phillies may not be willing to pay Suárez and crowd their rotation.

"Suárez was an All-Star in 2024 and he was snubbed in 2025," wrote Kline. "The Phillies are about to transition into a slightly younger pitching staff, with Andrew Painter and Mick Abel both on the MLB fast track. That opens the door for Atlanta to be aggressive in pursuit of the 29-year-old. The Braves missed out on a Phillies staple a couple years ago in Aaron Nola. If that just means they get Suárez in 2026, the team will be better off for it."

Suárez is projected to earn a six-year, $169 million deal in free agency. Considering Sale has one year left on his deal and his age, Suárez could become a staple of the rotation for years to come. He, Sale, Strider, Reynaldo López and Spencer Schwellenbach could be a great rotation for next season.

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Suárez signing with the Braves would be the ultimate revenge move on the Philadelphia Phillies if they let him walk. The Braves will be looking to be better next year, and adding Suárez would be a step in that direction.

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