The Atlanta Braves have tried over the last several years to extend left-hander Max Fried to no avail. They’ll keep trying this offseason and wait to see how he fares in the market, but they definitely want him back.
Max Fried Free Agent Profile
Does Fried still have a future in Atlanta? He is the club’s second-longest tenured player, debuting a week after Ozzie Albies did in August 2017. But the free-agent market and a significant payday now await. Unfortunately, Freddie Freeman and Dansby Swanson were in Fried’s situation before they both ended up elsewhere as free agents. Freeman had the fortune of winning the 2021 World Series during his final game for Atlanta. Swanson’s final game for his hometown was a Game 4 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2022 NLDS.
Fried, who boasts impressive performance metrics, could fit well with any team seeking pitching depth. Fried has a 2.81 ERA over 112 starts in his last five seasons. However, he has produced a 6.08 ERA over his past eight postseason starts going back to the beginning of the 2021 World Series run. Fried hasn’t completed five innings in any of his past three postseason starts.
While Fried’s regular-season prowess makes him a coveted asset, his postseason inconsistencies may impact his market value. Nevertheless, contenders will still line up for his services.
Potential Suitors
The Braves rotation is solid with Spencer Strider, Chris Sale, Reynaldo Lopez and Spencer Schwellenbach. Atlanta’s pitching staff is in a strong position, but Fried’s potential contract demands may push his price into a different territory that general manager Alex Anthopoulos has been hesitant to explore in free agency.
San Diego Padres
One potential suitor for Fried’s services is the San Diego Padres, according to FOX Sports’ Rowan Kavner. Despite posting his highest ERA since 2019 this year, Fried still boasted the 15th-best mark in the majors among qualified starters. Fried would bring valuable postseason experience and consistency to the Padres rotation. As a steady, ground-ball-oriented starter, Fried excels at keeping the ball on the ground and limiting hard contact, making him an attractive fit for San Diego.
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are expected to aggressively pursue high-caliber pitching this offseason, and The Athletic’s Patrick Mooney identifies Fried as an ideal target. Fried’s connection to the Cubs runs deep, having played with Dansby Swanson in Atlanta and graduating from the same high school (Harvard-Westlake) that produced Pete Crow-Armstrong. Mooney believes Fried would be a great addition due to his consistent performance and postseason experience. Securing Fried would require a significant investment, but the potential reward is substantial. A rotation featuring Fried, Shota Imanaga, and Justin Steele would be formidable, providing the stability the Cubs need.
The Cubs must weigh the benefits of adding another left-hander, but Fried’s talent makes a strong case.
Texas Rangers
The Rangers’ pitching staff was ravaged by injuries and inconsistency throughout 2024, with three starters heading to free agency. ESPN’s David Schoenfield identifies the Rangers as the best fit for Fried, who would anchor the rotation and provide much-needed stability. With Jon Gray entering his final contract year and Jacob deGrom and Tyler Mahle carrying injury risks, Fried’s reliability is attractive. While prospects Kumar Rocker and Jack Leiter offer internal hope, the Rangers should capitalize on their competitive window, given the presence of veterans Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, and Adolis Garcia.
With their offense poised for success, adding Fried would bolster the Rangers’ championship aspirations.
Market Value and Projections
Spotrac forecasts that Fried will secure a lucrative six-year contract worth approximately $136 million. This projected deal could be likened to Carlos Rodon’s recent six-year, $162 million contract with the New York Yankees, setting a high benchmark in the league. However, Fried’s impressive performance history and ability to maintain durability throughout his career may support the justification for a similarly substantial agreement. His consistent track record of success on the mound demonstrates not only his talent but also his reliability, attributes that teams are keen to invest in for the long term.
Main Photo: © Rhona Wise-Imagn Images
