The Atlanta Braves have officially addressed their pitching needs by signing two-time All-Star starting pitcher. The move comes as the Braves aim to reinforce their rotation following injuries and potential departures.
Eovaldi, a 13-year MLB veteran, joins Atlanta after a stellar season with the Texas Rangers, where he started 29 games and posted a 12-8 record with a 3.80 ERA over 170.2 innings. The 6-foot-2, 217-pound right-hander showcased his precision and durability, striking out 166 batters while issuing just 42 walks.
Eovaldi’s Proven Track Record
Eovaldi, a two-time American League All-Star, has consistently improved with age. Since 2020, his ERA has remained below 3.90 each season, underscoring his reliability. In 2021, he earned a fourth-place finish in Cy Young voting and placed 15th in MVP voting—a testament to his dominance. At 34 years old (soon to be 35 in February), Eovaldi continues to be a dependable workhorse.
Over his career, Eovaldi holds a 91-81 record and a 4.07 ERA. His recent success makes him a valuable addition to Atlanta’s rotation as they look to maintain their status as perennial contenders in the National League.
Filling a Key Void
The Braves faced a critical need for starting pitching this offseason. With ace Spencer Strider sidelined to start the 2024 campaign due to elbow surgery and Max Fried exploring free agency, the team required a seasoned arm to anchor their rotation. Eovaldi fits the bill perfectly, bringing a combination of experience and postseason pedigree to Atlanta.
Contract Details and Market Impact
While the terms of Eovaldi’s deal with the Braves remain undisclosed, it is expected to be more modest than Blake Snell’s recent $32.5 million annual deal with the Dodgers. Instead, Eovaldi’s contract may align closer to the three-year, $63 million deal Yusei Kikuchi signed with the Angels.
Eovaldi’s addition signals the Braves’ commitment to staying competitive while addressing their most pressing need. Fans can look forward to seeing the veteran pitcher take the mound and play a pivotal role in Atlanta’s pursuit of another championship.
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