The Braves typically refrain from making big splashes in free agency. Since Alex Anthopoulos assumed the role of general manager in 2017, the largest contract they’ve offered was a four-year, $65 million deal to Marcell Ozuna, who was already with the team. However, they deviated from their usual approach this offseason by making a concerted effort to lure Aaron Nola away from the Philadelphia Phillies.
Numerous reports linked the Braves to Aaron Nola before he ultimately decided to stay with the Phillies. Sources revealed that Alex Anthopoulos made a significant push to acquire Nola, even reportedly offering a lucrative six-year, $162 million contract. This aggressive move by the Braves compelled the Phillies to increase their offer to seven years, ultimately securing Nola’s return to Philadelphia, which was always his preference.
Nola acknowledged the Braves’ interest but expressed his desire to remain with the Phillies, emphasizing the sentiment of wearing a different uniform after spending his entire career with one team.
The Braves’ pursuit of Nola was anticipated from the beginning of the offseason, as Anthopoulos prioritized bolstering the rotation, with Nola standing out as an ideal target due to his durability. Nola’s consistent ability to pitch without missing starts over the past six years made him an attractive prospect for a Braves team that has struggled with injuries in their pitching staff.
While missing out on Nola was disappointing for the Braves, their aggressive pursuit suggests a willingness to make significant investments in free agency for the right pitcher. This approach hints at the possibility of targeting pitchers like Max Fried in future offseasons, indicating that the Braves are likely to remain active in the market for starting pitchers in the years to come.
