Braves reportedly focused on one pitcher after missing on Nola

Sonny Gray Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Braves reportedly focused on one pitcher after missing out on Aaron Nola

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated 11/19/23

The Atlanta Braves are moving on to their backup plan after their efforts to sign Aaron Nola away from the Philadelphia Phillies fell short.

The Braves are now one of the “top suitors” for free-agent pitcher Sonny Gray, according to Jon Morosi of MLB.com. Gray is one of the top free agents left on the market, and the Braves are clearly in the market for a front-line starter.

The Braves are one of the top suitors for free agent Sonny Gray, sources say. Atlanta had spoken with Aaron Nola’s camp before Nola returned to the Phillies. @MLBNetwork @MLB

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 19, 2023

Nola agreed on Sunday to a huge contract to remain with the Phillies, which was unwelcome news for Atlanta. The Braves were one of two teams said to be strongly pursuing Nola prior to that decision.

Gray would be a perfectly sound backup plan from Atlanta’s perspective. In 32 starts for Minnesota last year, he went 8-8 with a 2.79 ERA. Those numbers were good enough to make him runner-up in AL Cy Young voting.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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