Max Fried #54 of the Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves were built for a deep playoff run in 2024, with a lineup stacked with power and a rotation that seemed more than capable of leading them to a World Series title. But despite all the right tools, injuries derailed their postseason hopes, and the Braves were ousted in the first round. Now, with the 2024 season in the rearview, Atlanta faces another pressing challenge: holding onto their talent.
As the offseason begins, several key players are set to hit the free-agent market, and for the Braves, the biggest potential loss could come from their pitching staff. Left-hander Max Fried, one of the league’s premier starting pitchers and a cornerstone of Atlanta’s rotation, has been linked to several teams, including the Toronto Blue Jays. According to Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer, Fried could be in line for a lucrative multi-year deal, potentially pushing the Braves to make a tough decision on how much they’re willing to pay to keep him.
Max Fried’s Value to the Braves
Fried has been a fixture in the Braves’ rotation since his debut in 2017, logging a stellar 73-36 record with a 3.07 ERA across eight seasons. The three-time Gold Glove winner has consistently been one of the Braves’ most reliable arms, striking out 863 batters while walking just 246 over 915 innings. His ability to command the strike zone and keep hitters off balance has made him a key asset in Atlanta’s quest for championships. His 1.16 WHIP and .237 batting average against are indicative of his elite stuff, and as he heads into free agency, Fried is poised to cash in on his remarkable consistency.
While the Braves’ starting rotation remains strong with the likes of Spencer Strider, Fried has been a stabilizing force, often stepping up in big moments. His loss would undoubtedly leave a significant void, not only in terms of on-field performance but also in leadership, as Fried has become one of the clubhouse’s pillars.
The Blue Jays’ Pursuit of Fried
Fried’s potential departure from Atlanta has been the subject of much speculation, with several teams poised to make strong runs at the lefty this offseason. The Toronto Blue Jays are among the clubs that have been linked to Fried, with Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet reporting that the Blue Jays could make a serious push for the pitcher. Toronto, in need of bolstering its rotation to contend with the best in the American League, is reportedly willing to offer a significant contract.
According to Rymer, the Blue Jays could make Fried their top target this winter, with a six-year, $160 million deal possibly on the table. That would make Fried the highest-paid player on Toronto’s roster, surpassing the likes of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer. A deal of that magnitude would put Fried’s average annual value at approximately $26.7 million, which would make him one of the highest-paid pitchers in the game.
The Braves’ Dilemma
For the Braves, the prospect of losing Fried is a daunting one, especially as they look to remain competitive in the National League East, a division that features the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies, both of whom have the financial muscle to improve significantly this offseason. If Fried were to leave, the Braves would not only lose one of their most important pitchers but also the leader of a rotation that has been one of their greatest strengths in recent years.
The good news for Atlanta is that they have the financial resources to make a competitive offer. However, as Rymer points out, the Braves may face stiff competition from bigger-market teams with more flexibility. The Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles are also reportedly in the mix for Fried, but Toronto might be in the best position to offer the kind of long-term deal Fried is looking for, especially after coming off a playoff appearance and being in a market that is eager to contend.
With their window of championship contention still wide open, the Braves will likely be motivated to retain Fried at any cost. But the market for elite starting pitchers is always fierce, and Atlanta may need to dig deep into their pockets to match the offers coming from big-market clubs like Toronto.
Can the Braves Outbid the Competition?
Ultimately, the question comes down to how far the Braves are willing to go to retain Fried. The team’s payroll is already near the upper echelon of Major League Baseball, but losing Fried could be a devastating blow to their hopes of keeping a competitive rotation in the coming years. If they want to keep him, the Braves may have to offer a deal that surpasses their usual comfort zone, especially given Fried’s status as a top-tier free-agent pitcher.
The key will be whether Atlanta can outbid the Blue Jays or any other suitors for Fried’s services. Toronto’s willingness to pay top dollar for the 29-year-old could put significant pressure on the Braves to either meet or exceed that offer. If the Braves can lock up Fried, it will be a major victory for their championship window. But if he heads to Toronto, the Braves will have to find a way to replace his ace-like presence in the rotation.
The Road Ahead
As the offseason heats up, the Braves’ front office will need to make quick and decisive moves to secure their roster for 2025 and beyond. Max Fried’s free agency represents one of the biggest decisions of the winter for Atlanta, and his departure would leave a massive hole in their rotation.
Can the Braves outbid the Blue Jays and other suitors? Will they be able to retain their ace or be forced to find a replacement? As the days pass, the stakes for Fried’s future—and the Braves’ rotation—only continue to grow.
