Braves fans, it’s time to get excited for 2025 because there’s a lot to look forward to. Stars like Matt Olson and Chris Sale back after impressive 2024 campaigns. We also have the potential return of big names like Ronald Acuña Jr., Spencer Strider, and Austin Riley. The Braves lineup looks ready to rebound after a tough injury-riddled season. But there’s a cloud on the horizon: the future of Max Fried, a mainstay since 2017, is looking uncertain.
According to The Athletic’s David O’Brien, the Braves aren’t expected to be aggressive in their pursuit of Fried when he hits free agency after the World Series. We’re talking about a guy who’s been an anchor for the Braves’ rotation—three Gold Gloves, a Silver Slugger, and a Cy Young contender twice.
That’s the kind of resume that commands a high price on the market, and with the Braves already having exceeded luxury tax limits the past two seasons, it seems the front office might be reluctant to go all-in on a big bidding war.
Here’s what O’Brien laid out: the Braves have five days after the World Series to re-sign Fried before he’s fair game for any team in the league. And while his teammates want him back, it’s clear the money situation is tricky.
With Fried likely to command a significant long-term deal—Jim Bowden from The Athletic is predicting a six-year, $174 million contract—the Braves might not want to compete with teams like the Orioles, Mets, or Red Sox, who are all considered top suitors.
But before anyone starts panicking, O’Brien notes that the Braves have depth in their rotation. Even if Fried departs, the team plans to lean on Sale, Strider, Reynaldo López, and Spencer Schwellenbach to carry most of the innings in 2025.
Plus, there are some promising young arms waiting in the wings, like Ian Anderson, AJ Smith-Shawver, and their 2023 first-round pick, Hurston Waldrep. Don’t be surprised if Alex Anthopoulos picks up a veteran on a short deal to bolster the back end of the rotation.
While Max Fried’s departure would be a blow to the Braves’ pitching staff, it’s not the end of the world for Atlanta. They’ve got plenty of reasons to feel optimistic heading into next season with the talent they have lined up and the flexibility to make some smart offseason moves.
