The Braves are Expected to sign one of two Pitchers in Order to Improve their Chances in the Competition.

 

This offseason, Aaron Nola is one of the top free agency pitchers available. While both Nola and Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski have expressed a desire to maintain their connection, it is clear that the former first-round choice will have a bevy of potential suitors this winter.

As Nola’s market develops, this tracker will be updated throughout the offseason.

Friday, November 17th, 1:39 p.m. ET: ESPN’s Jeff Passan stated on an Atlanta sports talk radio station that major league insiders anticipate the Atlanta Braves would sign either Nola or Sonny Gray this offseason.

“Executives on other teams believe the Braves will end up with one of those two [Nola or Gray],” Passan said on 680 The Fan’s “The Cellini and Dimino Show” on Friday. “I’m not sure which one. I’m not sure how soon it will be.”

Passan then made an interesting observation about Nola and the Braves.

Aaron Nola on 680 The Fan and Jeff Passan on the Braves.
The Braves have yet to award a contract worth more over $22 million per year. They did offer Freddie Freeman $28 million per year as a free agent, but the Braves will almost probably have to spend above that if they want to sign Gray or Nola.

Wednesday, November 15th, 8:29 a.m. ET: According to Jayson Stark of The Athletic, other teams are “convinced” that the Phillies will not go above and beyond to keep Nola. “(Re-signing Nola) is obviously doable for a team with five players on nine-figure free-agent contracts.” But it’s remarkable how certain opposing teams are that the Phillies aren’t going all out to win this particular bidding war.”

According to Stark, the organization is interested in Jordan Montgomery, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Sonny Gray as potential Nola replacements in free agency, but is “lukewarm” on Blake Snell.

Tuesday, November 14th, 10:49 a.m. ET: The New York Yankees, according to MLB.com’s Jon Morosi, “are among the most active teams in the starting pitching market.” They’re interested in Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Nola.

Monday, November 13th, at 5 p.m. ET: According to Jon Morosi of MLB.com, the Atlanta Braves and St. Louis Cardinals are “among teams showing early interest” in Nola as he enters free agency.

Monday, November 6 at 7:30 p.m. ET: MLB Trade Rumors announced its free-agent projections, and Nola is expected to sign a six-year, $150 million contract. Tim Dierkes, Anthony Franco, and Steve Adams, their three writers, all anticipate he will sign with the Cardinals.

He could sign with the Cardinals, but that offer appears to be low and one that the Phillies would match. While Nola may not receive $200 million in free agency, the final figure will be closer to $200 than $150.

Monday, November 6th, at 5 p.m. ET: The Phillies have extended Nola’s one-year, $20.325 million qualifying offer.