Max Fried #54 of the Atlanta Braves
The Baltimore Orioles made one of the most talked-about moves of the 2023 offseason when they landed Corbin Burnes from the Milwaukee Brewers in a blockbuster trade. At the time, it filled the team’s biggest need by adding a true ace to their pitching staff. Burnes was a dominant force throughout the season, finishing in the top five of the AL Cy Young voting and delivering a stellar performance in his lone postseason start. But now, as free agency looms, the Orioles find themselves at a crossroads with Burnes — and the question remains: Will he stay in Baltimore long-term?
The reality is that while Burnes would undoubtedly be the perfect long-term fit for the Orioles, his price tag may be too steep for the club to match, even with a new ownership group in place. With money always being a deciding factor in free agency, the Orioles face a tough decision. If they can’t retain Burnes, they’ll need to look elsewhere to fill the top of their rotation.
Fortunately for the Orioles, MLB insider Mark Feinsand has linked another top-tier pitcher to Baltimore — Max Fried of the Atlanta Braves. Fried, a left-handed ace, could very well be the perfect fallback option if the Orioles fail to bring Burnes back into the fold.
Max Fried: The Steady Option
Losing a pitcher like Corbin Burnes — one of the best in the game — would be a tough blow for any team. But having Fried as a potential replacement is a silver lining. Fried has spent his entire eight-year career with the Braves, cementing himself as one of the premier pitchers in the National League. His 2023 season was another strong one, posting a 3.25 ERA in 29 starts and 174.1 innings, and earning a second career All-Star nod.
While Fried may not be quite the same as Burnes in terms of raw strikeout numbers and ace-like stuff, he’s still a proven, consistent performer. Over his career, Fried has built a resume that speaks for itself: a 3.09 ERA over 168 career MLB appearances, three Gold Gloves, and two top-five finishes in the NL Cy Young voting. He also holds World Series champion status after the Braves’ 2021 title run.
Fried is as reliable as they come. He’s been a rock for Atlanta in the postseason, racking up 20 career playoff appearances, and he has delivered in clutch moments. That big-game experience would translate well for the Orioles, who are looking to make further strides in the postseason after their deep playoff run in 2023.
The Case for Fried in Baltimore
Fried would be a slight downgrade from Burnes, but the difference isn’t substantial enough to make him any less of a top-tier option for the Orioles. If the financials don’t work out with Burnes, Fried would be an excellent replacement. His experience, durability, and postseason pedigree make him a near-perfect fit for a team looking to continue its rise in the American League.
As the Orioles have seen with Burnes, acquiring an ace can be a game-changer for a team, and Fried provides a similar level of stability. He might not bring the same overwhelming strikeout numbers as Burnes, but he more than makes up for it with consistency, command, and the ability to pitch in high-leverage situations.
Additionally, Fried could be a more cost-effective alternative to Burnes, which would give the Orioles more flexibility to address other areas of need on their roster. It’s no secret that the team is looking to make some key additions this offseason, and if Fried could be had for a more reasonable price, that would allow them to spend in other areas, such as the bullpen or offensive depth.
Looking Ahead
The Orioles’ starting rotation has the potential to be one of the best in baseball, and Corbin Burnes would certainly be a centerpiece of that. But if Burnes ultimately chooses to sign elsewhere, Max Fried is a name the Orioles should strongly consider. His track record, experience, and leadership on the mound make him one of the top options available, and he could step in seamlessly to fill the ace role in Baltimore.
Whether or not the Orioles manage to land Burnes, Fried would be a fantastic consolation prize. Either way, expect Baltimore to remain a contender in the AL with a strong starting rotation — and Fried could very well be a part of that equation moving forward.
