The Atlanta Braves wrapped up their 2024 season with a dramatic playoff push despite being one of the most injury-plagued teams in all of Major League Baseball. Now, anyone following the Braves knows the kind of grit they showed to get here.
It wasn’t an easy road, this team had to fight tooth and nail in a fierce National League Wild Card race against tough competition like the New York Mets and Arizona Diamondbacks. Yet, in true Braves fashion, they managed to snag that coveted playoff spot on the final day of the season.
Atlanta was missing some of their biggest stars, including Ronald Acuña Jr., one of the most electrifying players in the game, and their ace Spencer Strider. But here’s the thing, this team is built differently. They’ve got one of the deepest rosters in the league, and that depth is precisely why they still found themselves in the playoff mix. Not every team could take hits like that and keep moving forward, but the Braves did.
As fans savor this playoff run, it’s hard not to start thinking ahead to 2025. There’s so much to be excited about. The Braves could be even stronger next season, especially if they get their key players healthy. But before anyone gets too carried away with next year’s World Series dreams, there’s a massive decision looming. Ace Max Fried, a cornerstone of the Braves’ pitching rotation for years, is heading into free agency. And make no mistake, this is a big decision for the organization.
Fried’s market value is currently projected at around $149 million over six years. That’s a hefty price tag for sure, Fried is worth every penny considering the last 8 years with the Braves. He’s a two-time All-Star, and all-in-all has been very consistent.
Losing him would be a gut punch, not just for the rotation but for the entire organization. When you’ve had someone this important to your team for nearly a decade, letting them walk out the door isn’t just losing a player—it’s losing a part of your identity.
Sure, the Braves have the financial muscle to match or exceed any offer Fried gets on the open market. But the real question is, will they? The smart money says they should. Fried’s track record of success makes him exactly the kind of player you want to anchor your rotation for years to come.
The Braves and Max Fried have a lot to think and talk about over the offseason. For now, the team must keep its head down and grind through the wildcard series. In this series, the team is still missing a number of key pieces, such as Chris Sale. They do not have the luxury of looking ahead if they want to win in San Diego.
