MLB Rumors: New Powerhouse Team Linked To Walker Buehler

The Atlanta Braves have emerged as a legit contender for free-agent pitcher Walker Buehler, as they look to revamp their rotation following a disappointing 2024 season. 

With Max Fried expected to depart in free agency—likely commanding a deal beyond Atlanta’s budget after Blake Snell signed a five-year, $182 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers—and Charlie Morton retired, the Braves face big gaps in their rotation. 

Buehler, a two-time All-Star, offers a high-upside option at a potentially modest price due to his injury history and a challenging 2024 regular season, where he posted a career-worst 5.38 ERA in 16 starts. 

As Andy McCullough of The Athletic wrote, “It won’t take a long-term deal to land Buehler, who starred in October for the Dodgers after a difficult regular season.”

I’m thankful for Walker Buehler, also it seems like this might be his last pitch as a dodger, but he’ll always be a dodger legend as far as I’m concerned pic.twitter.com/wxnXksKSMn

— World Series Champion Yony (@Toneloke93) November 28, 2024

Despite his struggles, Buehler’s postseason brilliance with the Dodgers has caught the Braves’ attention. He pitched nine shutout innings in his final two playoff appearances and earned the save in the Dodgers’ World Series-clinching win over the New York Yankees, reinforcing his reputation as a big-game performer. 

“Buehler lives for the postseason, and the Braves expect to be there,” noted MLB insider Ken Rosenthal. Atlanta GM Alex Anthopoulos is reportedly weighing a short-term deal for Buehler, whose October pedigree and career 3.27 ERA make him an ideal candidate to replace Fried without the long-term financial commitment.

Just a reminder that Walker Buehler has given up ONE run in 19 career World Series innings, that’s a 0.47 ERA#LetsGoDodgers pic.twitter.com/juN2MMjwhp

— Dodgers Muse (@LADodgersMuse) November 12, 2024

If signed, Buehler would bolster a rotation led by Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Reynaldo López, and rookie Spencer Schwellenbach, positioning Atlanta as a top contender in 2025. 

A short-term deal in the $10–15 million annual range would allow the Braves to bet on Buehler’s bounce-back potential while maintaining payroll flexibility. 

Photo Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images