The Atlanta Braves are in urgent need of a starting pitcher this winter. Last season, while the Braves had a strong group of top starters, they faced issues with pitching depth, particularly with the fifth and sometimes fourth starters due to injuries. Now, with Max Fried and Charlie Morton moving on to other teams, Atlanta must find replacements for these key losses. Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller recently predicted that the Braves might sign Andrew Heaney, a free-agent pitcher from the Texas Rangers, to fill the void left by Morton and Fried
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Miller pointed out that the Braves have the greatest need for a starter, having lost Fried and Morton, and with uncertainty around Spencer Strider’s return. As things stand, even when Strider comes back, Atlanta may have to rely on Ian Anderson or Grant Holmes as their fifth starter. With concerns about the health of Chris Sale and Reynaldo López, it’s troubling that the Braves have yet to address their pitching needs this offseason. However, Miller suggests that signing Heaney to a two-year, $19 million deal could solve their pitching problems without exceeding the luxury tax threshold.
While Heaney may not be at Fried’s level, he’s certainly an upgrade over what the Braves currently have. Last season, the left-hander made 31 starts, posting a 4.28 ERA. His FIP of 4.04 and WHIP of 1.25 suggest that he performed better than his ERA indicates. At 33 years old, Heaney is expected to have a strong 2025 season.
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