Report: Walker Buehler drawing interest from NL East contender

Oct 2, 2019; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodger pitcher Walker Buehler during a press conference before a team workout at Dodgers Stadium. Buehler is the National League Divisional game 1 starter against the Washington Nationals. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Walker Buehler showed during the MLB playoffs that he still has the capability to pitch at a high level, and he is drawing interest from at least one contender as a result.

In an appearance on MLB Network Friday, Jon Morosi reported that the Atlanta Braves are among teams with interest in Buehler. Morosi pointed out that the Braves are somewhat close to home for Buehler, who grew up in Kentucky and played collegiately at Vanderbilt. In addition, the Braves have rotation slots available, as Max Fried and Charlie Morton are both free agents and Spencer Strider is working his way back from elbow surgery.

Morosi also named the Chicago Cubs as a team that could have interest in Buehler.

Buehler evidently does not have to worry about attracting interest on the market. His strong postseason helped cancel out a regular season that saw him post a 5.38 ERA in 16 starts as he was coming back from elbow surgery. His market may also be helped by one somewhat surprising decision the Dodgers made as he was about to hit the market.

Buehler is still just 30 years old and has been a Cy Young contender in the past. Expect the Braves to face ample competition for his services.