Why Braves could lose Tyler Mahle in free agency

The Atlanta Braves saw something in right-handed starting pitcher Tyler Mahle that 29 other teams didn't. 

Behind Chris Sale, Mahle has been Atlanta's second-best starter in the rotation since last month's trade from the San Francisco Giants. 

Mahle has a 1.48 ERA in five starts since the trade. FanSided's Mark Powell believes his success could lead to a departure from the Braves in free agency. 

"Yes, it's a small sample size, but if Mahle keeps pitching like this, he'd be wise to cash in, even if that's on a one-year prove-it deal with a higher AAV," Powell wrote. "He may never have a greater chance to receive a lucrative payday. The 31-year-old is on the back end of his prime." 

Before the deadline, Mahle had a 5.13 ERA with 14 home runs allowed in 18 starts with San Francisco. 

Whatever the Braves coaching staff recommended to the 31-year-old is clearly working. 

"Mahle may not be the biggest name available in free agency, but the Braves acquired the right-handed starting pitcher at the trade deadline for pennies on the dollar," Powell added.

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"Alex Anthopoulos and Atlanta's player development staff quickly identified why he'd been struggling in San Francisco (5.13 ERA) and corrected it. Thus, Mahle has a 1.48 ERA with the Braves in five starts since the trade deadline." 

If the Braves want to retain Mahle, his contract price is likely increasing with each start. 

Mahle is yet to allow more than two runs and six hits in a game during his time with the Braves. 

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