Max Fried’s last regular-season start for the 2024 Atlanta Braves had the unmistakable air of a farewell performance. The emotion in Fried’s face and his final glance at the stands sent a message: the lefty ace may be heading toward free agency.
With Spencer Strider set to return next season, along with Chris Sale’s apparent career resurgence, Atlanta could find itself in a position where they don’t need to overpay to retain Fried. Add rising star Spencer Schwellenbach into the mix, and it becomes clear that while Fried’s departure would sting, the Braves are still in a great spot pitching-wise.
Now, let’s look ahead to 2025. If Fried follows in the footsteps of Freddie Freeman and Dansby Swanson, leaving for a big payday elsewhere, who might fill the void in Atlanta’s rotation? Here are seven potential candidates.
Max Scherzer
If Charlie Morton retires or walks, the Braves could look to another seasoned vet—Max Scherzer. Scherzer has made it clear he plans to pitch in 2025, and while he’s not in his prime, Atlanta has a knack for squeezing the last bit of magic out of aging pitchers (just look at Morton and Jesse Chavez). Scherzer could be brought in on a short-term, Morton-like deal, providing veteran stability and perhaps delivering one last hurrah. He wouldn’t be expected to anchor the rotation but would fill a back-end spot, offering innings and a competitive edge.
Ian Anderson
At just 26, Ian Anderson feels like he’s been part of the Braves system forever. His stellar 2021 season was followed by a rocky 2022, eventually leading to Tommy John surgery. But Anderson’s talent is undeniable. If he can regain his form after a full offseason of recovery, Anderson could be the most likely internal candidate to step up in Fried’s absence. Atlanta doesn’t need him to be a new ace, but just a consistent arm capable of giving the team a chance to win while eating innings.
Zach Eflin
Tampa Bay’s No. 1 starter, Zach Eflin, could be available at the trade deadline. He was first linked to the Atlanta Braves this summer in a suggestion by USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. Recently, Eflin has been mentioned again as a potential target for the Braves.
“If the Rays choose to trade him, Eflin offers plenty to like, starting with his 63 strikeouts and just six walks over 81 1/3 innings, which gives him the second-best strikeout-to-walk ratio in the majors,” David O’Brien wrote in The Athletic. However, Eflin’s contract could pose a challenge in completing a trade.
Grant Holmes
Grant Holmes was one of the unsung heroes of the Braves’ 2024 campaign. Holmes delivered four scoreless innings to keep Atlanta’s playoff hopes alive in a high-pressure situation in the final game of the regular season. While not a household name, Holmes could be given a shot at a rotation spot in 2025. With A.J. Smith-Shawver and Bryce Elder struggling to make a strong case for themselves, Holmes might be the dark horse candidate to break into the rotation.
Jack Flaherty
If Atlanta wants a reliable free-agent option that won’t break the bank or come with significant age concerns, Jack Flaherty fits the bill. Flaherty has bounced around but remains a solid starter when healthy. The injury risk is real, but if the Braves are willing to roll the dice, Flaherty could help solidify the rotation. He’s not going to be the ace Fried was, but he could be what the Braves need in the fourth or fifth slot.
Charlie Morton
Charlie Morton continues to defy Father Time. Even though his numbers have declined, Morton remains a workhorse who can deliver innings. The Braves may decide to allocate resources to their lineup or bullpen rather than splurging on a top-tier starter. Bringing Morton back for another season would be a cost-effective and reliable option. Morton’s veteran presence, paired with his ability to provide solid innings, is exactly what Atlanta might need from their fifth starter.
Losing Max Fried would be a blow to Atlanta, no doubt. But as they’ve shown in the past, the Braves are more than capable of replacing star talent with savvy free-agent signings and in-house development. Whether they decide to bring in an aging veteran like Scherzer or Morton, promote from within with Anderson or Holmes, or make a mid-tier free-agent signing like Flaherty or Quintana, the Braves are well-positioned to maintain a strong rotation even without Fried.
The real focus, however, might need to shift to other areas. With shortstop and the outfield presenting bigger gaps, Atlanta’s front office could decide that Fried is the latest in a line of stars to exit as the team continues to build around their strengths while addressing the areas that need more attention.
