The Atlanta Braves are preparing for the possibility of losing superb starting pitcher Max Fried in free agency, but they might already have a backup plan in mind. Following a turbulent 2024 season, the organization is expressing interest in another World Series champion. The Braves have their sights on Walker Buehler, per MLB Network's Jon Morosi.
There is no denying that the two-time All-Star comes with red flags, but general manager Alex Anthopoulos has seen some of his gambles pay off in big ways. Chris Sale made 31 starts over a four-year span with the Boston Red Sox and was considered to be a lost cause by many fans. He won his first Cy Young, joined Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal in winning the pitching Triple Crown and earned a Gold Glove award in his first year with the Braves.
Perhaps Buehler can also rediscover his best form in the ATL. The 30-year-old righty might actually be less of a risk than Sale was last offseason, given the important role he played in helping the Los Angeles Dodgers win a championship.
Can Walker Buehler give the Braves a boost after his recent heroics?

Buehler, who was also dominant in the 2020 Fall Classic, stifled the New York Yankees this past October. He threw six scoreless innings and struck out seven batters in two appearances for LA, earning the distinguished honor of recording the title-clinching save in Game 5 of the World Series (did so on one-day rest). His late surge is a strong contrast to the abysmal 5.38 ERA he recorded in 16 regular season starts, however.
The Braves must be appropriately weary of the perils that come with the 6-foot-2 native of Lexington, Kentucky. He has underwent two Tommy John surgeries and is struggling to generate sufficient velocity on his four-seam fastball. A strong grasp of the strike zone and healthy mix of pitches can combat that problem, though, as was the case in the latter stages of the postseason.
Atlanta is understandably intrigued by what Buehler can add to its rotation. Fried is in the open market, Charlie Morton could retire and Spencer Strider remains on the shelf after suffering his own elbow injury. Despite the Braves' need for starting pitching, they have to be smart with their negotiation tactics.
Their interest level in Walker Buehler is ostensibly in the preliminary stages, but if they get a meeting with this high-stakes hero, ironing out a manageable contract will be essential.