Atlanta Braves mentioned as possible free agent destination for Patrick Corbin

The World Series begins later this week and free agency is right around the corner. The Atlanta Braves are coming off a playoff appearance and will have ample trade assets and the financial means to make significant improvements to their roster. With that in place, expect to hear the Braves mentioned as potential destinations for many of the top free agents who are on the market this offseason.

Nick Cafardo did just that in his Sunday notes column placing the Braves among four teams that are expected to have interest in free agent left-hander Patrick Corbin.

Considered the most sought-after pitcher on the market this winter. Corbin will have his pick, but it likely won’t be in Arizona, which is looking to strip payroll and start rebuilding. Corbin is expected to draw a lot of interest from the Yankees, Dodgers, Giants, and Braves. The deal likely could be at least five years in the $20 million-$25 million range.

Previous reports suggest that the Yankees are the favorites to land Corbin but you can see the appeal from a Braves’ perspective. Corbin won’t turn 30 until July and is coming off a career-best season where he was worth 6.3 fWAR and struck out 246 batters in 200 innings.

Corbin is from New York so the lure of the big city may be great but coming to Atlanta would give him the opportunity to anchor a young staff along with Mike Foltynewicz without having to pitch in the AL East on a permanent basis.

I wouldn’t rule anything out at this point in regards to the offseason, but expect to hear plenty of reports such as this once free agency does open following the World Series.