On Tuesday night, the Atlanta Braves’ hopes of re-signing ace pitcher Max Fried took a significant hit, as reports indicated that the left-hander had officially entered the free-agent market. This news marks the end of a memorable era for Fried in Atlanta, where he has established himself as the team’s cornerstone pitcher. The Braves, who have been a dominant force in Major League Baseball in recent years, now face the harsh reality that their top starter may no longer be part of their future.
Fried has been one of the most consistent and reliable pitchers for the Braves since his debut in 2017. Known for his command and ability to perform in high-pressure situations, Fried was integral to the Braves’ 2021 World Series championship, where he put on a stellar postseason performance. Throughout his career, Fried has been lauded for his devastating curveball and his ability to dominate left-handed batters. Over the past few seasons, he has been a perennial Cy Young Award contender and has consistently been one of the best pitchers in the National League.
However, the decision to let Fried test free agency was not entirely surprising. The Braves have faced financial constraints in recent years, prioritizing long-term contracts for other core players such as Ronald Acuña Jr., Ozzie Albies, and Austin Riley. Despite their willingness to spend on key positions, the Braves’ front office has shown an inclination to avoid overcommitting to long-term deals for pitchers, especially those who could face injury concerns or declining performance as they age. This philosophy, while prudent from a financial standpoint, has made it challenging for the Braves to lock up Fried for the long haul.
Fried’s departure will leave a significant void in the Braves’ rotation. While the team still boasts a strong pitching staff, including names like Spencer Strider and Charlie Morton, none of them possess the same combination of ace-level stuff and postseason pedigree that Fried has shown over the years. The Braves now face the challenge of replacing their ace with a suitable option, either through free agency, trade, or the farm system. Given the importance of pitching in the postseason, the Braves will need to act quickly to ensure that they maintain a competitive edge in the NL East and in the postseason.
On the other hand, Fried’s free agency opens the door for other teams to pursue the star left-hander. Several teams in need of a frontline starter will likely be prepared to make a competitive offer, with the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Francisco Giants among the most notable suitors. Fried’s ability to pitch in high-stress games and his track record of success in both the regular season and postseason make him an attractive option for any team looking to bolster its pitching staff.
For Braves fans, Tuesday night’s announcement marks a bittersweet moment. While they will always appreciate Fried’s contributions to the team, particularly during the 2021 championship run, the reality of MLB’s business dynamics means that the Braves will have to adapt to life without one of their best pitchers. As Fried moves on to the next chapter in his career, the Braves will need to focus on building a sustainable and competitive rotation, one that can continue their pursuit of championships in the seasons to come.
