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5 free agent targets for the Atlanta Braves

By John Buhler

Oct 27, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon (4) celebrates after hitting a solo home run against the New York Mets in the 9th inning in game one of the 2015 World Series at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 27, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon (4) celebrates after hitting a solo home run against the New York Mets in the 9th inning in game one of the 2015 World Series at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 4, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Mark Buehrle (56) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Mark Buehrle (56) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Mark Buehrle, Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher

If there are four things the Atlanta Braves’ starting rotation needs, they are as follows: 1. Innings. 2. Left-handedness. 3. Wins 4. Experience. Crafty veteran lefty Mark Buehrle more than satisfies those four requirements.

At this stage of Buehrle’s possible Hall of Fame worthy career, he’s not a top-of-the-rotation type of pitcher. Fortunately, the Atlanta Braves don’t need that especially bad, as Julio Teheran and Shelby Miller are a suitable one-two punch. Buehrle would stand as a perfect number three starter for the Atlanta Braves for so many reasons.

The 214-game winner is a five-time American League All-Star, has won four Gold Gloves, pitched a perfect game, and was the ace of the 2005 World Series winning Chicago White Sox. Buehrle doesn’t have the best stuff, but the guy can pitch. He’s able to pitch over 200 innings annually because he pitches to unconvincing contact and is rarely hurt.

Atlanta has starters in the rotation that get hurt regularly and don’t make it long enough to earn a quality start. Buehrle could serve as the perfect mentor for Miller, Teheran, and numerous other youngsters on the Atlanta Braves’ staff.

The team has sorely missed a Tim Hudson type of leader on the pitching staff the last two years. Perhaps Mark Buehrle fills that void. Free agent pitchers do historically tend to find success pitching in Atlanta. The Braves organization should seriously consider giving Mark Buehrle a two-year deal.

Next: Familiar Help in the Bullpen?

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