The MLB General Managers Meetings are rolling into San Antonio, Texas, this week. This meeting brings together front-office heavyweights from across the league including the Braves GM. They are there to strategize, negotiate, and potentially lock in some major deals.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely for any moves with trade talks heating up and free agency on the horizon. The Atlanta Braves and their GM, Alex Anthopoulos, are no exception, as they approach the offseason with key decisions that could reshape their roster for next season. Let’s dive into the three burning questions on every Braves fan’s mind as the GM Meetings get underway.
Will the Braves Extend a Qualifying Offer to Max Fried?
One of the biggest questions circling the Braves is whether they’ll offer a qualifying contract to their star pitcher, Max Fried. This decision could signal their intentions for Fried’s future in Atlanta. A qualifying offer is a one-year deal set at the average of the top 125 MLB salaries from the previous season. This year, that figure lands at $21.05 million.
While a qualifying offer secures draft-pick compensation for the team if the player signs elsewhere, it’s hardly a sweet deal for someone of Fried’s caliber. It’s almost certain that Fried would decline such an offer, knowing he can demand more than $21 million annually on a long-term contract in free agency. Still, by extending the offer, the Braves could increase their odds of securing a valuable draft pick if Fried chooses to explore options outside Atlanta.
That said, offering the qualifying contract would essentially read as a farewell, hinting the Braves may be ready to move on if they can’t agree on a longer commitment. For now, this question looms large as Anthopoulos weighs whether to let Fried walk or attempt to negotiate a more substantial, multi-year deal.
Will the Braves Make a Move on Day One of Free Agency?
As of Monday at 5 p.m., the Braves can officially engage with free agents, opening the door to fresh additions for next season. Early signings are rare, and big-name players typically hold out for the best deal. However, it wouldn’t be shocking if Atlanta makes a low-key move to bolster their pitching depth. The Braves might target a reliable back-end starter to fill gaps in their rotation, allowing more flexibility with their bullpen and roster come spring.
Don’t expect a headline-grabbing contract just yet—players like Fried, Shohei Ohtani, or other star free agents will likely take their time fielding offers. However, a depth piece or role player might be signed quickly for teams looking to get a head start on the season. Braves fans should keep an eye out for any subtle roster shifts that may take place this week.
Is Another Trade Brewing?
Trade discussions always intensify with general managers in the same room, and with Anthopoulos’ history of pulling off deals at these meetings, the Braves could be set to make another move. The recent trade of Jorge Soler to the Angels shows Anthopoulos isn’t wasting time this offseason, and he’s made notable trades at the GM Meetings before.
In 2015, the Braves swapped shortstop Andrelton Simmons to the Angels, and just last year, they dealt pitcher Jake Odorizzi to the Rangers. Even former Atlanta closer Craig Kimbrel found himself traded by the Padres to the Red Sox during the meetings, proving that blockbuster deals are always a possibility.
The Braves have several options for addressing roster depth, freeing up cap space, or finding a player who fits better in their rotation. Anthopoulos’ track record at these meetings suggests fans should watch for a potential trade, whether a smaller shuffle or something big.
With so many factors in play, the General Manager’s Meetings will set the tone for the Braves offseason.
