If you’re following the Braves’ offseason drama, you know the future of Max Fried with Atlanta is at a crossroads. Fried is the kind of ace every team dreams about. He’s consistent, clutch, and as sharp as they come on the mound. But for the Braves, re-signing him might not be that simple.
After all, General Manager Alex Anthopoulos has made it clear that no player’s too untouchable to leave. Look at how he handled longtime Braves Freddie Freeman and Dansby Swanson. While these choices have worked out on the field, they’ve come with mixed reactions from fans.
Should the Braves part ways with Max Fried, they have free agency options to bolster their pitching staff. But that doesn’t mean Fried’s absence wouldn’t leave a significant gap. Beyond just replacing a reliable arm, there’s a real sense of concern about how Atlanta can maintain its dominant roster. And it’s not just the rotation, Atlanta also has questions at shortstop. That position could require an upgrade sooner rather than later.
Then, there’s the unsettling thought of where Fried might end up. The Braves’ fiercest competition in the National League, the Dodgers and Mets, are itching to reinforce their pitching rotations. If Fried hits the open market, he could be the exact piece these rivals need to make a title run, potentially at Atlanta’s expense.
Adding Fried would only bolster the Dodgers powerhouse roster coming fresh off a World Series win. While the Mets would love to add a starter of Fried’s caliber to rebound from last season. Both scenarios could directly threaten the Braves’ hopes for a repeat pennant and beyond.
For now, Fried’s intentions remain an enigma. He’s been loyal to the Braves in his own quiet way, and no one has yet to see him courting offers publicly. MLB insider Jon Heyman recently reported that the Orioles, Blue Jays, and Red Sox are keen on the southpaw. Each team is in the market for reliable starters for different reasons: the Orioles could lose Corbin Burnes, the Blue Jays need a more secure presence at the top of their rotation, and the Red Sox are eyeing any valuable free agent as their front office starts to rebuild.
If Atlanta does decide to let Fried go, it’ll be a gut punch to fans. The lefty is coming off an impressive season where he posted a 3.25 ERA and earned an All-Star nod. He has solidified his standing among the game’s elite pitchers. Unlike others who rely on raw power, Fried has a style that’s more about accuracy and strategy, which suggests he could continue delivering strong results even as he ages. In short, he’s the kind of pitcher who can maintain his edge with experience.
Still, there’s a fear in Atlanta that Max Fried, a California native, might head home to play for the Dodgers. And while that wouldn’t be the ultimate nightmare—say, if he joined the rival Mets or Phillies—it would still make the road to a pennant harder. A Dodgers lineup with Fried in the rotation would be a formidable barrier to the Braves’ postseason ambitions.
As the offseason unfolds, Atlanta fans can only hope Anthopoulos has a game plan that includes keeping Fried in a Braves jersey. But if history is any indication, nothing is off the table. With Fried’s talent, the stakes couldn’t be higher for Braves fans who are hoping their ace stays put.
