The Atlanta Braves are not likely to spend like some of the top teams in baseball this winter, but they've already made a few key additions this offseason.
Mike Yastrzemski signed a $23 million, two-year deal, while Robert Suarez is signed for the next three years of a $45 million contract.
Amid those two important signings, MLB.com insider Mark Bowman linked the Braves to former Arizona Diamondbacks ace Zac Gallen. The All-Star starter is a free agent target, despite the lost draft capital signing Gallen would bring.
Braves interested in Zac Gallen despite potential loss of a draft pick
"But after seeing six different pitchers miss at least five weeks because of injuries this past year," Bowman writes, "there's reason for the Braves to continue monitoring top free agents like Zac Gallen, even with the understanding signing him would cost them the 26th overall pick in next summer's MLB Draft."
The Braves showing interest, and monitoring the free agent market of Gallen is noteworthy. Thanks to the Qualifying Offer placed on Gallen, the Braves would be losing out on the 26th overall pick, their first unprotected selection in the 2026 MLB Draft.
If the Braves sign Gallen, Michael King, Framber Valdez, or Ranger Suarez, they would be giving up the 26th overall pick. They do have the 9th overall selection, but the 26th overall pick is still very valuable.
More: Twins' $100M 2-time All-Star, Gold Glove winner open to waiving no-trade clause for Braves
But, despite the value that pick provides, the Braves are showing interest in Gallen and other top pitchers this winter. Singing a starter who would coincide with a lost draft pick would be a big investment, and Gallen would be a risky pitcher to attach that to.
The 30-year-old is coming off a rough season, where he posted a 4.83 ERA in 33 starts for the Diamondbacks in 2025. The years prior, he had a 3.65 ERA in 28 starts in 2024 and a 3.47 ERA in 34 starts during the 2023 season.
In 2022, Gallen had a 2.54 ERA in 31 starts, which was by far the best season of his MLB career. Signing Gallen won't come cheap, both in terms of contract and resources the Braves would have to surrender to make it work.
But, they're willing to give up that 26th overall pick to sign someone like Gallen. Whether it's Gallen, Suarez, Valdez, or King, the Braves are keeping tabs on the top pitchers this offseason after their $68 million spending spree on Yastrzemski and Suarez.
More Braves news:
- Braves' Marcell Ozuna gets $30 million contract projection from ESPN insider
- Braves get good news amid $16 million Ha-Seong Kim contract projection
- Braves trade of $45 million star has logic to suggestion
- Braves predicted to pair Chris Sale with rival 2-time All-Star, boasting 1.48 postseason ERA
- MLB insider urges the Braves to re-sign their star infielder