Braves: 3 free agent options to replace Mike Soroka

The Atlanta Braves received rough news regarding pitcher Mike Soroka. But, they can replace him with one of these three free agent options.

The Atlanta Braves have not gotten off to the rock solid start like many had expected. One thing they could take solace in was the fact that the Mike Soroka would eventually make his return to the team. However, the Braves received a terrible update that Soroka is undergoing “exploratory surgery” after feeling discomfort in his Achilles tendon, which he tore last summer.

With Soroka officially out indefinitely, there is a massive void in the rotation. Atlanta could towards the open market for a replacement, although the options are far from the greatest. If they do, here are three starting pitchers they should target.

Jeff Samardzija

Out of all the options on the open market, the biggest name is Jeff Samardzija. The right-handed pitcher had spent the past five seasons with the San Francisco Giants after spending short stints with the Oakland Athletics and Chicago White Sox.

Samardzija was released by the Giants last September during a rather brutal 2020 campaign, where he posted a 9.72 ERA in four starts with the NL West team. While last year was far from ideal, to say the least, his 2019 campaign showed promise that could entice the Braves.

Through 32 starts, Samardzija recorded a 3.52 ERA, a 1.11 WHIP, 140 strikeouts ad 49 walks over 181.1 innings pitched. In his career, Samardzija has a 4.15 ERA and 1.24 WHIP through 14 MLB seasons.

Considering the Braves are one of the best hitting teams in MLB this season, Samardzija could thrive in Atlanta with the run support he would receive.