The Atlanta Braves are looking at ways to improve and bounce back stronger in 2025 after a season that, frankly, was brutal. Injuries plagued almost every star player, and Max Fried was no exception.
He missed some time with a forearm issue, yet he still put up an impressive performance. Fried ended 2024 with a 3.25 ERA, the fifth-best in the National League. But despite his solid season, things went south when the Padres lit him up in the Wild Card round.
But here’s the thing, Max Fried isn’t just a solid pitcher. He’s one of the best in the business. His name is bound to dominate the free-agency conversation this offseason. And that brings us to every Braves fan’s question: Will he return to Atlanta?
Now, it’s understandable why fans might be skeptical. Fans have been burned before when big names slipped through the cracks. It is hard to forget watching guys like Dansby Swanson and Freddie Freeman walk. Even though Fried has expressed his love for the city and the team, it’s not entirely up to him. Including the front office’s willingness to commit financially, there are factors way beyond his control.
Here’s the silver lining: Alex Anthopoulos, the mastermind behind the Braves’ roster moves, recently hinted at some positive news that might give fans reason to hold onto hope. He’s expecting an increase in the team’s budget for 2025.
Yep, you read that right. Anthopoulos has made it clear that if the front office believes a player is worth the cost, they won’t hesitate to spend. He said, “I know it’s not going to go down, I expect it to rise… I’ve never been told no (based on money).” This is big.
Now, let’s break down what this really means. The Braves ended 2024 with the sixth-highest payroll in baseball, over $236 million. They flirted with the third tier of the luxury tax, which isn’t a small feat considering how it penalizes teams with extra fees.
According to Gabriel Burns of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, this was the first time in franchise history that the Braves paid in that tier for two consecutive seasons. So, with Anthopoulos signaling another potential increase, it’s clear the Braves aren’t afraid to spend. But with that said, they’ll also have to be strategic—particularly since the penalties increase for repeat offenders in the luxury tax zone.
Max Fried is an elite pitcher, no doubt about it, and his stats prove he’s worth the investment. Still, the elephant in the room is his injury history, which could be a sticking point when deciding how much the Braves are willing to commit. It’s clear the front office has the resources and is prepared to make a strong offer if they decide Fried is their guy for 2025.
So, for those holding out hope to see Fried in a Braves uniform on Opening Day next season, there’s reason to be cautiously optimistic. Anthopoulos knows what he’s doing, and if Fried fits into the vision for 2025, you better believe the Braves will go all-in to make it happen.
