Why Braves could lose Tyler Mahle in free agency

The Atlanta Braves saw something in right-handed starting pitcher Tyler Mahle that 29 other teams didn't. Behind Chris Sale, Mahle has been Atlanta's second-best starter in the rotation since last month's trade from the San Francisco Giants. Mahle has a 1.48 ERA in five starts since the trade. FanSided's Mark Powell believes his success could lead to a departure from the Braves in free agency. "Yes, it's a small sample size, but if Mahle keeps pitching like this, he'd be wise to cash in, even if that's on a one-year prove-it deal with a higher AAV," Powell wrote. "He may never have a greater chance to receive a lucrative payday. The 31-year-old is on the back end of his prime." Before the deadline, Mahle had a 5.13 ERA with 14 home runs allowed in 18 starts with San Francisco. Whatever the