Max Fried is lighting up the offseason rumor mill, with whispers that the Anaheim Angels could be a surprising contender for his services. Why? Well, it seems Anaheim has quietly assembled a mini-exodus of Atlanta Braves alumni in a way that just might be enough to woo Fried, who, after years as a Braves ace, is finally set to test the free-agent waters.
AJ Pierzynski, former MLB catcher and current host of Foul Territory, recently posed an interesting question on this very topic. With a dash of theatrics, he asked listeners to imagine the recruitment pitch the Angels could make to Fried, born and raised just miles away in Southern California. And if homecoming wasn’t appealing enough, a whole cohort of Braves transplants are ready to welcome him to Anaheim with open arms.
Among them are trusted catcher Travis d’Arnaud, who’s been a vital partner in Fried’s success in Atlanta, and Sal Fasano, the seasoned coach turned Angels assistant pitching coach. Throw in Ron Washington, the legendary infield and baserunning coach, and Eric Young Sr., both former Braves coaching staff members now in Anaheim’s dugout, and you’ve got a team that feels a lot like Fried’s old stomping grounds.
And let’s not forget about Jorge Soler, another ex-Brave who recently joined the Angels. This cast of former Braves adds an extra layer of comfort for Fried and potential continuity in both his game and clubhouse dynamic. Anaheim has quietly built a strong case with these familiar faces to make Fried feel at home in a new environment.
Max Fried has all the numbers and accolades to be a game-changer for any rotation. In 2024 alone, he posted a 3.25 ERA across 29 starts with a 1.16 WHIP and 166 strikeouts over 174 1/3 innings pitched. Fried’s career resume is no less impressive, featuring two All-Star appearances, three Gold Gloves, and a runner-up finish in the Cy Young race in 2022. He’s a proven ace with big-game experience and a solid track record of consistency, which any pitching rotation in the league would crave.
So, could Anaheim become Fried’s next destination? It’s certainly possible. Although there haven’t been concrete links between Fried and the Angels, the club’s impressive cohort of familiar faces from his Braves years might make Anaheim an unexpectedly attractive option for the Southern California native.
While both the Angels and Dodgers could try to leverage the hometown advantage, Anaheim’s setup might provide a distinct pull, offering Fried both the comfort of home and the camaraderie of a team that already knows how he works best.
For Max Fried, joining the Angels could mean bringing his high-caliber performance closer to home while joining a team filled with players and coaches who understand his style inside out. It’s an intriguing scenario that could unfold into one of the most exciting stories of this offseason if the Angels decide to go all-in on their Southern California pitch to one of baseball’s top free agents.
