3 Pitchers Braves Should Sign Instead of Wasting Time on Gerrit Cole

The Atlanta Braves will be active in the free agent window, and they absolutely must add to a roster which finished as NL East champions yet watched the rival Nationals win their first World Series in franchise history. With Atlanta expected to add to the rotation, they shouldn't waste their time on Gerrit Cole, who is expected to command a record-breaking contract. Here's who they could sign instead:

3. Madison Bumgarner

Los Angeles Dodgers v San Francisco Giants / Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images

Couldn't you just see MadBum in a Braves uni? The veteran pitcher has playoff experience and isn't past his prime. Bumgarner, at his best, can lead a staff and earn an automatic W very five days, keeping the bullpen fresh while he's at it. If the Braves are willing to spend (but not as much as it'll take to get Cole), this is their guy.

2. Zack Wheeler

New York Mets v Cincinnati Reds / Bryan Woolston/Getty Images

Stealing from the Mets would be nice, wouldn't it? Wheeler is a steady righty who was more than available at the trade deadline this summer. His sub-4 ERA proves he can be relied upon, and his consistency wasn't an issue in Queens. If his price comes down to the point the Braves are comfortable, they might strike a deal.

1. Hyun-Jin Ryu

Divisional Series - Los Angeles Dodgers v Washington Nationals - Game Three / Will Newton/Getty Images

Ryu will be tougher to come by. The Dodgers understand his importance and unless it comes with the promise they'll be able to afford Cole, LA needs the NL's ERA leader. We wouldn't put it past Alex Anthopoulos, however.