Braves predicted to pursue former Cy Young runner-up after down season in 2025

Braves predicted to pursue former Cy Young runner-up after down season in 2025 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Atlanta Braves are looking to make some roster changes this offseason after missing the postseason for the first time since 2017.

Of course, the goal is to get back to contending for the World Series. However, the Braves will need to do a great deal of work to assemble a team capable of doing just that. The pitching staff could be one point to address this offseason.

Atlanta has already brought back relief pitcher Raisel Iglesias, but they will be losing starter Charlie Morton to free agency. Hopefully, Bryce Elder and Spencer Strider will be able to find a new stride after a disappointing 2025 campaign, but what else can the Braves do in free agency?

MORE: Braves continue to pursue a shortstop after trading for Mauricio Dubon

Astros predicted to pursue SP Dylan Cease in free agency

Former San Diego Padres starter Dylan Cease is a free agent this offseason after struggling to put anything together in 2025. No signs are pointing towards San Diego resigning the 29-year-old.

The Athletic's Andy McCullough suggested that the Atlanta Braves are a potential landing spot for the former Cy Young Award runner-up.

"It will cost a lot more to land Cease. But Cease, who grew up in the suburbs of Atlanta, makes a lot of sense for the Braves," McCullough wrote. "His stuff remains electric, even when his results fluctuate. A long-term pact with Cease is the sort of gamble the Braves can certainly afford to make."

Cease will be turning 30 at the end of 2025. He was a name in a lot of trade talks at July's deadline, but now he can sign a long-term deal with an organization this offseason.

Whatever team lands him will have to be willing to take a chance on Cease. He's off to one of his least productive seasons, posting a 4.55 ERA and 1.33 WHIP over 32 starts. Still, his 215 strikeouts in 168 innings show he's more than capable of bouncing back.

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