Not only have the Baltimore Orioles missed out on one potential free-agent target that could have served as a veteran anchor for their rotation, another potential target could be slipping away.

MLB.com reported on Sunday that the Atlanta Braves are in hot pursuit of Minnesota free agent Sonny Gray, who helped the Twins win the American League Central and win a playoff series for the first time since 2002.

MLB.com characterized Atlanta as one of the “top suitors.”

Atlanta’s pursuit of Gray may be due to Aaron Nola, who agreed to a seven-year, $172 million contract to stay in Philadelphia on Sunday.

With Nola’s agreement it takes a target off the board that both Atlanta and Baltimore had in mind. Atlanta reportedly talked to Nola before the agreement.

Now, both the Braves and Orioles have one less free agent to pursue, and perhaps more urgency to get one.

For Baltimore, they have a young rotation that includes Dean Kremer, Kyle Bradish, Grayson Rodriguez and Tyler Wells. An experienced pitcher like Gray could give their rotation a quality veteran presence that can mentor the youngsters and even help the Orioles go farther than the AL Division Series, where their postseason ended last month.

The Braves are a different animal. They have a veteran rotation that includes Max Fried, Charlie Morton, Spencer Strider, Bryce Elder and AJ Smith-Shawver. Smith-Shawver is a rookie and would likely be the odd-pitcher out if Atlanta were to sign Gray.

The Orioles might not have that problem with its current returning starters. Gray would have a place to settle and help right away.