Braves Ace Max Fried Expected to Be First Starting Pitcher Signed This Winter

This winter’s MLB free agency class is stacked. From Juan Soto to Pete Alonso, Blake Snell to Corbin Burnes, the headliners are all poised to land massive, $150 million-plus deals. However, if you’re looking for a player who might fly under the radar and make a huge impact, look no further than Atlanta Braves ace Max Fried.

While Fried may not carry the same flashy profile as some of the bigger names this offseason, he’s quietly one of the most intriguing and underrated free agents available. And his unique situation could set the stage for him to be one of the most impactful signings of the winter.

Fried’s Consistency: A Quietly Dominant Career

Let’s start with why Max Fried should be getting more attention. Over the course of his eight-year MLB career, Fried has been one of the most reliable and consistent pitchers in the game. He’s posted a sub-4.00 ERA in seven of those eight seasons, with his career-high sitting at a still-respectable 4.02 ERA. For context, that’s a far better mark than many top-tier pitchers in the league, and yet Fried has somehow managed to remain in the shadow of bigger names.

In an era where pitching depth is often the difference between contenders and pretenders, Fried’s steady performance has been a huge part of the Braves’ success. Whether he’s finishing games, locking down the postseason, or simply putting up regular-season innings, Fried’s track record speaks for itself. Over the last few seasons, he’s been one of the most dependable aces in the game—while not always getting the hype or recognition he deserves.

The Representation Factor: Why Fried Could Move Quickly

What makes Fried even more intriguing this offseason is the fact that he’s not represented by super-agent Scott Boras, who is known for driving negotiations into the ground to extract every dollar possible from suitors. Boras’ high-profile clients often cause delays in the free-agent market, dragging out decisions and frustrating teams as they wait for the bidding war to play out.

In contrast, Fried’s representation suggests that we could see a much quicker resolution to his free agency. MLB Network’s Jon Morosi recently reported that Fried is expected to be one of the first pitchers off the market this winter, and his early signing could have a cascading effect on the broader free-agent landscape.

Think about it: if a team like the Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, or Boston Red Sox lands Fried early on—let’s say on a five-year, $110 million deal—they’re effectively out of the running for Juan Soto. The competition for Soto will be fierce, and securing a pitcher of Fried’s caliber would free up funds and roster space for a team to pursue the top hitter on the market.

This sets up an interesting scenario: with top suitors for Fried potentially securing their pitching needs early, it could leave the door wide open for a team like the Baltimore Orioles—who may not be in the mix for Soto at the moment—to swoop in and land Fried at a more reasonable price. The Orioles are a team on the rise, and adding an ace like Fried could make them a serious playoff contender in the AL.

Max Fried: The Hidden Gem for a Championship Team

What makes Fried such an attractive signing is his potential to be a true number-one starter for almost any team. While he doesn’t have the flash of some of the other big-name free agents, his ability to consistently dominate opposing lineups with pinpoint control and a devastating changeup makes him an ace in every sense of the word. His durability and proven track record in big games give him a leg up over other pitchers in his tier.

Fried also fits a team looking for stability. While teams may be hesitant to splurge on someone like Soto or Alonso, Fried’s relatively lower price tag (compared to some of the other elite free agents) could provide incredible value to a club looking to make a smart investment this offseason.

The Market Dynamics: How Fried Could Impact the Free-Agent Race

The unique dynamics of Fried’s market could have a ripple effect on how the rest of the winter plays out. If Fried signs quickly, we could see teams reallocate resources. For instance, the Mets and Blue Jays—two teams often linked to Fried—could potentially pivot toward other big names in the lineup department, allowing teams with a clearer path to landing him to step in and grab Fried before the price gets too high.

The Orioles, in particular, stand to benefit. Baltimore has been steadily building a competitive team over the last few seasons, and adding a high-caliber starting pitcher like Fried could accelerate their timeline to contention. If they jump into the mix and secure Fried early, they could leapfrog other clubs in the pitching market and set themselves up for a strong 2025 campaign.

The Takeaway: Max Fried Is a Sleeper Star

In an offseason loaded with star power, Max Fried is the underrated gem that could shift the entire market. He may not grab the headlines like Juan Soto or Pete Alonso, but Fried’s consistent excellence, coupled with his non-Boras representation, makes him one of the most interesting and impactful free agents this winter. As the MLB offseason unfolds, expect Max Fried to be a key player—and a potential game-changer—for whichever team is smart enough to pull the trigger on him first.

Whether it’s the Blue Jays, Mets, Dodgers, Red Sox, or even a surprise contender like the Orioles, Fried’s signing could be the domino that sets the tone for the rest of the offseason.