Cubs Target $136 Million All-Star as a Cheaper Alternative to Corbin Burnes

The Chicago Cubs wrapped up their 2024 season with an 83-79 record, narrowly missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. As the front office turns its focus to the offseason, the question looms: could longtime Atlanta Braves ace Max Fried be a prime target to upgrade the Cubs’ rotation for 2025?

In a recent article for The Athletic, Patrick Mooney outlined the Cubs’ winter priorities, emphasizing that adding a starting pitcher is “an obvious move.” The Cubs have built their rotation through smart free-agent signings like Jameson Taillon and Shōta Imanaga in recent seasons, both of whom provided much-needed consistency.

According to Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy, the key to Taillon and Imanaga’s success has been their pitch command. “Both of them throw a ton of strikes. Both of them limit walks. Both of them (have) shown the ability to navigate a lineup, throw multiple pitches for strikes, all the little things you want your starter to do,” Hottovy told Mooney. This blend of command, leadership, and reliability could be the blueprint for the Cubs as they target free-agent pitchers this winter.

Max Fried: A High-Level Performer at a Reasonable Price?

Max Fried fits the bill perfectly. The southpaw has been a model of consistency for the Braves over his eight seasons, earning two All-Star nods, three Gold Gloves, and compiling a 3.07 ERA with 863 strikeouts in 884.1 career innings. Fried, who will hit free agency this offseason, is projected to command a six-year, $136 million contract, according to Spotrac—an investment that seems reasonable for a pitcher of his caliber.

While the top name on the market is Baltimore Orioles ace Corbin Burnes, with projected contracts as high as $288 million over eight years, Fried offers the Cubs a more cost-effective option. And with Jed Hoyer at the helm of the Cubs’ front office, it’s possible Chicago may opt for a more frugal yet still effective solution.

How Fried Would Fit into the Cubs’ Rotation

The Cubs’ rotation is already solid, but it lacks that true frontline ace to lead the way. With Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon, and Shōta Imanaga already slotted in as the top three starters, the addition of Fried would provide manager Craig Counsell with a dynamic one-two punch. That depth could prove critical as the Cubs look to return to the postseason in 2025, where having a strong rotation often makes the difference in October.

FanGraphs’ Roster Resource currently lists Javier Assad and Ben Brown as potential options for the back end of the rotation, but adding a proven starter like Fried would elevate the Cubs’ pitching staff to a new level.

Why Fried Makes Sense for the Cubs

Fried has more than just regular-season success on his resume; he’s a battle-tested postseason performer, having helped lead the Braves to the 2021 World Series title. His big-game experience would be invaluable to a Cubs team that has struggled to break through in the playoffs over the past few years.

In a free-agent market where Burnes will likely be priced out of most teams’ budgets, Fried offers the Cubs a chance to make a significant upgrade without breaking the bank. His strong track record, leadership, and postseason experience make him an ideal fit for what Chicago is trying to build in 2025 and beyond.

As the Cubs look to end their playoff drought, a signing like Max Fried could be just the move to propel them back into contention.