Atlanta Braves There is the potential to lose 2021 World Series hero Max Fried to their west coast rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers. But it’s also possible this offseason that the Braves could sign one of Los Angeles’ own World Series champion starters.

MLB’s Jon Morosi reported Friday that the Braves are interested in 2-time All-Star pitcher Walker Buehler.

“I was told they were interested in Walker Buehler” Morosi said during an episode on MLB Network:. “Think about the pitching staff right now. Max Fried is a free agent. Charlie Morton is a free agent. Spencer Strider is still coming back from elbow surgery.

“So for all those reasons, Walker Buehler, who we just saw in the postseason action, is very close to home for the Braves. Of course, he has Kentucky roots. He pitched at Vanderbilt. It’s a great fit for him.”

Buehler recently underwent his own Tommy John surgery (Strider is currently returning from the same procedure) and missed the entire 2023 season. In his first season back, Buehler is gone He went 1-6 with a 5.38 ERA.

But after a rough outing in the National League Division Series, Buehler pitched well in the NLCS and World Series. He scored the final out to help the Dodgers win the 2024 title.

Before his injury, Bueheler finished in the top 10 of Cy Young voting in both 2019 and 2021. He was an All-Star in both seasons.

His best season came in 2021, when he posted a 16-4 record with a 2.47 ERA, 0.968 WHIP, and 212 strikeouts in 207.2 innings pitched. Buehler finished fourth in the NL Cy Young award that season.

There are some risks in signing Buehler because he is coming off the worst MLB season of his career. But he is only 30 years old and his playoff experience will be useful for any organization hoping to compete in the 2025 World Series.

If Buehler can return to his pre-injury form during the regular season, he could be a strong alternative to Fried and/or Morton for the Braves.