The Philadelphia Phillies will have plenty of competition on their hands when it comes to signing Aaron Nola, or in this case – re-signing.

Nola is one of the most coveted starting pitchers on the MLB free agent market this winter. Perhaps the top option depending on which executive you ask.

The Phillies have publicly stated that they would love to bring Nola back. The righty has stated he too would like to remain with the Phillies. But business doesn’t always end with a feel good story.

But new reports are linking Nola to the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia’s National League East rival.

According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, Nola is an intriguing fit for the Braves.

As Rosenthal points out, there are plenty of connections that could play in both sides’ favor when it comes to getting a deal across.

“Of the pitchers available, righty Aaron Nola is perhaps the most intriguing fit,” writes Rosenthal. “Nola is close with Braves pitching coach Rick Kranitz, who was with the Philadelphia Phillies from 2016 to ‘18. And as a native of Baton Rouge, La., who attended LSU, he might prefer to sign with a team in the south.”

Nola might want to get closer to home where he can play more often in front of family and friends. Considering Baton Rouge (or New Orleans for that matter) doesn’t have an MLB team, the Braves are the closest franchise in the region.

How that would actually affect Nola’s decision making is another thing entirely.

Having played for the Phillies his entire career, he has developed a strong bond with the fan base and shown to be a vital member of
Philadelphia’s resurgence the last few seasons.

Atlanta signing Nola would be a gut punch. Not only would the Phillies lose their ace but he would end up in the hands of their fiercest divisional rival.

How Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski approaches the situation will be very telling.