When it comes to the Atlanta Braves, they’ve developed a bit of a reputation for being strategic when it comes to free agency. Fans are left wondering, with one of their star pitchers, Max Fried, on the open market. Will Atlanta open their wallets or stick to their methodical ways?
Let’s talk about Max Fried. The left-hander is a bona fide ace, with a career 3.07 ERA over eight impressive seasons in Atlanta. Yet, despite his undeniable value, the Braves don’t seem to be rushing to lock him down. The lack of noise around a potential reunion doesn’t mean it’s off the table entirely—Fried is still unsigned, but it raises eyebrows about the Braves’ spending priorities.
Consider the market. Blake Snell, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, just inked a five-year, $182 million deal with the Dodgers. Fried might not command quite that number, but he’s just a year younger than Snell and has proven to be consistently reliable. So, his eventual payday could land in the same neighborhood. The big question is: Are the Braves willing to pay that kind of premium to keep him? If history is any indicator, they may not be.
If Fried walks, Atlanta could pivot to the trade market. One intriguing option? The Chicago White Sox’s Garrett Crochet a talented lefty who could bolster the Braves rotation without the financial strain of a blockbuster free-agent deal. However, trades require assets, and Atlanta has some noteworthy pieces that could entice potential trade partners.
MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand has suggested that AJ Smith-Shawver, the Braves’ No. 2 prospect and No. 97 overall on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100, could be a key trade chip. Teams have been eyeing Smith-Shawver, a promising right-hander, as well as other prospects like catcher Drake Baldwin. Packaging Smith-Shawver in a trade could net Atlanta a veteran starter, an outfielder, or even a high-leverage bullpen arm—all areas where the team could use reinforcements.
In the end, the Braves seem poised to keep their options open. Whether they retain Fried, explore trades, or make a splash elsewhere, one thing is clear: They’ll do it the Atlanta way—calculated and precise, with an eye on both the present and future.
