If the Braves find themselves priced out of keeping ace Max Fried this offseason, general manager Alex Anthopoulos might be forced to get creative with their rotation. While Fried has been a key part of Atlanta’s pitching core, adding a veteran like Matthew Boyd could provide an interesting, budget-friendly solution to fill the gap.
According to Jim Bowden from The Athletic, Boyd’s impressive postseason performance has already made him a compelling option, listing the Braves among six teams that would be a great fit for the veteran lefty.
Boyd, who’s 33, recently bounced back from Tommy John surgery in mid-2023. And he made a strong impression in the 2024 playoffs. He pitched a 0.77 ERA, allowing just one earned run in 11.2 innings with 14 strikeouts over three starts.
His stuff looks sharp, with Bowden noting Boyd’s deceptive delivery and effective pitch mix—including a fastball, slider, and changeup—allowing him to command the strike zone and keep hitters guessing. This kind of postseason success would make Boyd an enticing, affordable addition to Atlanta’s rotation, particularly if he lands on the market with Bowden’s predicted one-year, $10 million price tag.
For the Braves, whose offseason needs to go beyond pitching, the prospect of a cost-effective deal for Boyd could be particularly appealing. With potential roster holes to address, notably if they have to replace both Fried and a potentially retiring Charlie Morton, Atlanta would need reliable options in the rotation.
Signing Boyd on a short-term deal would also allow Anthopoulos to keep some budget flexibility while still covering innings with an experienced starter who seems to be in good form post-surgery. Boyd’s track record over eight MLB seasons includes recent stints with the Cleveland Guardians, Seattle Mariners, and Detroit Tigers. That reveals a pitcher capable of effective innings, even if his career ERA of 4.85 might not look dominant at first glance.
Boyd’s postseason success and recent form could drive up demand, especially with interest from teams like the Guardians, Tigers, Orioles, Padres, and Red Sox. This could complicate his “bargain” status if a bidding war breaks out, but his appeal as a reliable, veteran presence is undeniable.
Boyd’s 2024 numbers for Cleveland—where he posted a 2.72 ERA and struck out 46 batters in 39.2 innings—show he can still handle himself on the mound and provide Atlanta with competitive starts if Anthopoulos and company bring him aboard.
While Max Fried’s departure would undoubtedly leave a large hole in the Braves’ rotation. Boyd’s skillset and low-risk, high-reward profile make him a worthy candidate for a team looking to stay competitive without breaking the bank.
