Atlanta Braves pitcher Max Fried is on the brink of a significant change, stepping into the unknown as a free agent for the first time. As the offseason looms, the speculation about his next move is gaining momentum. While the Braves are in the running to keep him, the competition is intensifying, and the possibility of Fried not returning to Atlanta next season is becoming more real.
MLB insider Mark Feinsand stirred the pot recently by excluding Fried’s current team from his list of potential destinations. In his rankings of the top 10 free agents for 2025, Fried posted at number five overall and third among pitchers.
Which teams are potentially leading the charge to get Fried? The Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, and Texas Rangers are three teams ready to add some pitching firepower to their rotations. But the Braves? They are nowhere to be found on Feinsand’s radar.
What makes this omission particularly interesting is that all the players ranked ahead of Fried had their current teams listed as possible landing spots. This seems to be a subtle yet telling indication that Fried could be playing elsewhere next season. With Atlanta’s playoff hopes dwindling, Fried might only have two starts left before the season concludes, making his looming free agency all the more significant for Braves fans.
What Kind of Contract Could Max Fried Command?
Currently on a one-year deal worth $15 million, Fried is heading for a hefty payday. Spotrac projects his next contract to be around six years for $128.5 million, averaging $21.4 million per season.
This figure aligns with what pitchers like Kevin Gausman and Aaron Nola have recently signed for in free agency. Fried will have to decide whether he will follow in the footsteps of Nola, who remained with the team that drafted him, or if he will take a different path, like Gausman, who found success after switching teams.
Can the Braves Afford to Keep Him?
The question isn’t whether Atlanta can afford Fried—the team has the financial muscle to make the deal happen. The real dilemma lies in balancing the payroll to avoid exceeding the luxury tax threshold. This is often called MLB’s “soft salary cap.“ The Braves would likely need to make some tough decisions to keep Fried.
One such decision involves veteran pitcher Charlie Morton, who earned $20 million this season. At 40, Morton is also set to become a free agent this winter. By letting Morton go, the Braves could easily redirect that money toward Fried, who is nearly a decade younger. However, this still leaves Atlanta with a choice, invest in the future with Fried or stick with the reliable arm of Morton for a shorter-term deal.
What Happens if Max Fried Walks?
Even if Fried decides to part ways, the Braves have a promising future in their young pitching prospects. A.J. Smith-Shawver and Hurston Waldrep, who have shown potential in Triple-A, could be ready to make their mark in the big leagues next season. The return of Ian Anderson to the rotation is also a possibility, sparking hope among fans that his time to shine is just around the corner.
While the Braves have options, the potential loss of a key player like Fried would undoubtedly be a significant setback. The team’s front office faces crucial decisions as they navigate the future of their rotation. The unfolding drama of Max Fried’s free agency promises to be one of the most captivating storylines of the upcoming offseason. Stay tuned for more updates.
