Atlanta Braves rumors: Astros fans conflicted on Ron Washington

While Ron Washington is reportedly interested in the Houston Astros managerial opening, which was vacated by Dusty Baker, it would appear not all fans down in Texas are open to such a move. Astros fans seem to view Washington as overly similar to Baker -- a veteran coaching mind who perhaps is averse to change.

Washington won two pennants with the Texas Rangers prior to his exit. With the Braves, he's adored by players and a stable force in the clubhouse. He's a players manager who has been around the game his entire life. Frankly, it's surprising he hasn't been hired yet by some team in need of a new skipper. FanSided's Robert Murray discussed the fit of Washington in Houston amid Baker's retirement:

"But Washington is ready to manage again. In 2021, he told FanSided when asked about the possibility of becoming the Padres' manager: "I think I'm qualified. I think I can get that team over the hump. That's my thinking. … I'm definitely able to get them where they want to go," Murray wrote.

Houston's loss would be Atlanta's gain in this sense. If Washington weren't given an opportunity with the Astros, he could easily return to the Braves third base line. The Astros reportedly have interest in former Brewers manager Craig Counsell, who is a hot commodity these days. Counsell has been connected to the Guardians and Mets, as well, but Houston is arguably the most attractive opening right now.

Counsell's hope is to reset the market for managers, and it's unclear if the Astros would be willing to pay him as much as the Mets, per say.

Braves rumors: A dark horse pitcher for Atlanta

Tyler Mahle's Minnesota Twins career went south the minute he arrived, and to no fault of his own. Mahle was shut down after two starts in 2022 due to should inflammation. In 2023, he needed Tommy John surgery in May. Mahle will hopefully be back by spring training wherever he ends up.

Assuming Mahle can stay healthy -- which is a rather huge assumption at this point -- he could be a dark horse rotation fit for any team in need of pitching. When he was traded to the Twins from the Reds in the first place, Mahle had a 3.75 ERA and was in the midst of his second straight sub-4 ERA season. He's solid when healthy.

The Braves need starting pitching, especially with Kyle Wright likely out for 2024 and Charlie Morton potentially on the outs. Morton has a club option, but he's over 40 years old. There's no guarantee he returns to Atlanta or baseball at all.

Braves Today made the argument the team should sign Mahle to a multiyear deal, but odds are that's not even necessary. Mahle is a pitcher coming off two straight years of injuries. If they can sign him to a one-year prove it deal and allow him to compete for a rotation spot, that's a win for Alex Anthopoulos.

Braves rumors: An All-Star Eddie Rosario replacement

The Braves have a club option on Eddie Rosario, and that decision is looming. Rosario plays left field on a Braves offense loaded with stars. His defense was often an adventure in left field, despite what his peers may think of him.

Rosario would make under $10 million next season, which is honestly pretty close to his market value. It just depends whether Alex Anthopoulos wants to upgrade at the position. Rosario's platoon partner, Kevin Pillar, is expected to leave in free agency as well.

One potential replacement floated by Sportstalk ATL was Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Such a name was only listed thanks to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, who suggested the Braves were a good fit for the free agent. Gurriel made the All-Star team in 2023.

"Lourdes Gurriel Jr. had arguably the best year of his career, and it couldn't come at a better time. In 2016, Gurriel signed a seven-year, $22 million contract with the Blue Jays that covered 2017 through 2023 and included a player opt-out clause after this season; the opt out overrides his service time, which would have given his organization, now the Diamondbacks, another year of control. Gurriel slashed .261/.309/.463 this season with 35 doubles, 24 home runs and 82 RBIs. He also had 14 Defensive Runs Saved, the best mark of his career by far," Jim Bowden wrote.

Gurriel marks a huge upgrade in every facet over Rosario. He can play corner outfield, and is reliable at the plate as his stats show. If Anthopoulos is willing to pay up, then why not take a chance?