Report: Braves among Gray's top suitors after missing on Nola

The Atlanta Braves missed out on signing right-hander Aaron Nola, but it looks like they have a backup plan.

The Braves are among the top suitors for free-agent right-hander Sonny Gray, sources told MLB Network's Jon Morosi.

Gray is coming off a terrific campaign where he finished second in AL Cy Young voting thanks to a 2.79 ERA and 2.83 FIP with 0.4 HR/9 across 184 innings for the Minnesota Twins.

The 34-year-old is four years older than Nola and doesn't possess the same kind of durability as the Philadelphia Phillies starter. However, he's been a solid rotation arm throughout an 11-year career that's included stints with the Oakland Athletics, New York Yankees, Cincinnati Reds, and Twins.

The Braves are in need of starting pitching to join their top three arms of Spencer Strider, Max Fried, and Charlie Morton.

They're currently projected to use Bryce Elder and Huascar Ynoa as their No. 4 and No. 5 starters after trading former 21-game winner Kyle Wright to the Kansas City Royals on Friday.