The Atlanta Braves are facing a tough reality this winter as Max Fried, their All-Star ace and fan favorite, enters free agency. The left-handed pitcher has been a cornerstone of Atlanta’s rotation, but now, as an unrestricted free agent, he may be on the move. With projections placing his next contract in the $100 million to $175 million range, Fried is set to cash in big—and the Braves will be doing everything they can to keep him. But will it be enough to convince Fried to stay in Atlanta, or is a new destination calling his name?
The Braves’ Dilemma: Top Priority or Top Offer?
Fried is undoubtedly the Braves’ top priority this offseason, but with a robust free-agent market and several suitors vying for his services, Atlanta could face stiff competition. The Braves’ front office is expected to be aggressive in their pursuit of Fried, but even they may struggle to match the offer from a team like the Toronto Blue Jays, who have emerged as a serious contender for his services.
Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer recently ranked the Toronto Blue Jays as the number one destination for Fried, ahead of the Braves, New York Mets, and other top teams. According to Rymer, the Blue Jays are aggressively targeting Fried this offseason, making a big push to improve their starting rotation.
Toronto’s Pitching Push: A Potential Game-Changer
The Blue Jays have been making waves in the free-agent market, and adding Fried to their already formidable staff could give them one of the best rotations in the American League. With Kevin Gausman, José Berríos, Yusei Kikuchi, and Chris Bassitt already in the fold, Fried would be the perfect addition to give Toronto a bona fide ace to anchor their staff. Rymer notes that while the Blue Jays’ strategy of doubling down on pitching hasn’t always paid off in recent years, the combination of Fried and Gausman atop their rotation could make the Blue Jays a serious contender in the AL East.
Toronto’s aggressive approach also extends to other big free-agent targets. While they are heavily involved in the sweepstakes for Juan Soto, Fried could be the backup plan if they fall short on Soto. If the Blue Jays miss out on the star outfielder, bringing in Fried would still be a major win, significantly upgrading their rotation and making them a legitimate threat in the postseason race.
What Does Fried Want?
The big question now is: What does Max Fried want? As one of the top pitchers on the market, Fried will have his pick of offers. His future in Atlanta has always seemed secure, but with the Braves having several key decisions to make this winter—including potentially re-signing Ronald Acuña Jr. and addressing other areas of need—the team may not be able to offer Fried the kind of deal he could get elsewhere.
The Blue Jays, with their aggressive stance and deep pockets, could be in a position to offer Fried a contract that both meets his financial expectations and offers a fresh challenge in a new market. The allure of playing in Toronto, a team on the rise and in need of an ace, could be difficult for Fried to turn down, especially as the Braves try to balance their budget and make moves to stay competitive.
The Braves’ Last Stand?
For the Braves, re-signing Fried would be an all-important move. Their starting rotation has been one of the cornerstones of their success in recent years, and losing Fried would leave a significant void. While the team has promising young arms, none have the experience or track record of Fried. If Atlanta hopes to remain a World Series contender, keeping their ace in the fold would be crucial.
However, as the Blue Jays push hard and other teams enter the mix, Fried’s future could be in flux. If he chooses the big payday and fresh opportunity with Toronto, it will mark the end of a beloved era in Atlanta. But if the Braves can match or exceed Toronto’s offer, they’ll retain their ace and continue their quest for another title with Fried leading the charge.
The Countdown to Decision Time
With free agency underway, the clock is ticking on Fried’s decision. For Braves fans, the hope is that their beloved All-Star pitcher will remain in Atlanta and continue his legacy with the team. But as the competition heats up, the Blue Jays and other contenders could make this one of the most intriguing free-agent battles of the winter.
The race for Max Fried is just beginning, and wherever he ends up, the team that lands him will be getting one of the most talented and accomplished pitchers in the game. For the Braves, the ultimate question remains: Will they be able to keep their ace, or will Toronto’s aggressive bid prove too tempting?
